A review meeting on the progress of the HP Shiva Project in Mandi and Una districts was held on Monday under the chairmanship of Revenue, Horticulture, Tribal Development and Public Grievances Redressal Minister Jagat Singh Negi.
The Horticulture Minister reviewed project activities being carried out over around 1,085 hectares across 98 clusters in Mandi district and 224 hectares across 12 clusters in Una district. Detailed discussions were held on the status of civil works, the challenges being faced, the quality of work and the completion of tasks within the stipulated timeline.
Jagat Singh Negi directed all contractors to complete the works within the prescribed time frame. He said no extension of deadlines would be granted under any circumstances. He emphasised that accountability would be fixed at all levels for any delay in the implementation of the project.
The Minister also instructed officials of the Horticulture Department to ensure daily monitoring of project activities. He said negligence on the part of contractors should invite administrative action as per contractual provisions, along with the imposition of penalties.
Expressing concern over the performance of certain agencies and contractors, he warned that contractors showing unsatisfactory progress by June 30 would be blacklisted and their contracts terminated.
The Minister directed all stakeholders to ensure significant progress before the next review meeting. He said subject matter specialists and management experts would be responsible for plant health management and would provide technical guidance to farmers on various agricultural and horticultural activities.
He also instructed the Jal Shakti Vibhag and the State Electricity Board to ensure the timely availability of water and electricity at project sites. He further directed the Jal Shakti Vibhag to operate all completed lift irrigation schemes for one month before handing them over, so that their functionality could be properly tested.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the HP Shiva Project, Jagat Singh Negi directed all departments, contractors and consulting agencies to work in close coordination and ensure the achievement of project targets within the stipulated time frame. He stressed that all project works must be completed in accordance with the highest quality standards.
MLA Chandra Shekhar, Director of Horticulture Dr Satish Sharma, HP Shiva Project Director Dr Devendra Singh Thakur, Superintending Engineers of the Jal Shakti Vibhag and the State Electricity Board, Deputy Directors of Horticulture of Mandi and Una districts, officials of the Horticulture Department, and representatives of consulting agencies appointed for the supervision and monitoring of construction works under the project were present at the review meeting.
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