*Pushes for time-bound overhaul of RRs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 25: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of the Tawi Artificial Lake and Riverfront Development Project in Jammu.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD); Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Commissioner Secretary, Law; Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC); Deputy Commissioner, Jammu; Chief Engineer, PWD/UEED; and other concerned officers.
The Chief Secretary undertook a detailed assessment of both completed and ongoing works, including new initiatives aimed at enhancing the project’s aesthetic appeal and public utility.
He also reviewed restoration works necessitated by damages caused during last year’s flash floods. Stressing the importance of timely completion, he directed all concerned departments to ensure that this major city beautification project is dedicated to the public at the earliest, with all requisite amenities in place.
Reviewing the progress of the Tawi Barrage (Artificial Lake), Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra informed that all 31 gates including 11 at Waddi Tawi and 20 at Nikki Tawi have largely been installed, with hydromechanical works nearing completion.
He detailed out that the electrical works, including transformers had seen the progress of around 70% while that of HT/LT panels has witnessed completion status of 60%. Similarly he added that the main distribution panels (80%), and SCADA systems (50%), are at advanced stages. Civil works such as piers, cement concrete blocks, toe walls, gabions, and the control room building (98% complete) are nearing completion, although some components at Nikki Tawi are still in progress.
He further informed that the remaining works required for operationalisation of barrage gates, including embedded components and concreting of service gate grooves, are targeted for completion by the month end.
Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur informed that Phase-1 (Part A) of the riverfront project has been completed. This phase includes the development of a 2.7 km-long four-level promenade and 2.5 km of interceptor drains, resulting in the reclamation of approximately 440 kanals of land.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar apprised the meeting that construction of a four-lane road on the right bank is progressing steadily. The project includes a 35-metre span RCC bridge over the Ranbir Canal and Distributary-9, with 50% physical and 33% financial progress achieved so far.
He made out that the road will connect Bhagwati Nagar rotary with Bikram Chowk and is expected to significantly ease congestion along the Canal Road-Jewel Chowk corridor. Protection works, drainage, and underground utility provisions are also included in this component, he apprised the meeting.
CEO, Jammu Smart City Limited, Devansh Yadav informed that under Phase-1 (Part B), works related to end-to-end promenade flooring, landscaping, and electrical fixtures on the left bank and central island are progressing well.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed protection works being executed by UEED at multiple vulnerable locations, including Christian Colony, Gujjar Nagar, Prem Nagar, and Jogi Gate, along with retaining wall and nallah diversion works near Peer Kho. The total project cost for these works is Rs 11.96 Cr and is currently under tendering.
Regarding the interception and diversion of major nallahs, it was informed that two major packages are under execution. In Package-1, covering the Gujjar Nagar to Tawi Bridge stretch, civil works have reached 92% completion while Package-2 on the right bank has achieved 85% completion, including RCC pipeline laying and construction of a 10 MLD equalisation tank. Some works were damaged during flash floods in August 2025, and restoration is currently underway, with revised timelines extending to March.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting to assess the current status and expedite the updation of Recruitment Rules (RRs) across various departments of the Union Territory, with a strong emphasis on ensuring transparency, efficiency and employee welfare in public administration.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, ARI & Trainings Department, along with Administrative Secretaries of other departments.
While underscoring the importance of timely finalization of Recruitment Rules, the Chief Secretary directed all Administrative Secretaries to work in close coordination with the ARI & Trainings Department to complete the process within a defined timeframe.
He stressed that updated and well-structured Recruitment Rules are crucial for ensuring a transparent, merit-based and efficient recruitment framework, besides facilitating the prompt filling of vacancies across departments.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment towards employee welfare and administrative efficiency, the Chief Secretary issued clear instructions that the entire exercise must be pursued in a mission mode, eliminating delays and ensuring uniformity in recruitment processes across departments.
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