In a clear message to the senior functionaries of R&B department, the Minister for R&B, Gardens Parks and Floriculture, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has asked them to understand their responsibilities and prove that they are real builders of the nation. Only sitting on chairs is not sufficient to run the affairs of the department, he said and underlined the need for conducting regular inspection of the projects within their jurisdiction.These instructions were issued by the Minister while reviewing the implementation of macadamization programme started across Kashmir at a meeting with the Superintending Engineers of different circles of the R&B Department here in Civil Secretariat, the other day.Commissioner Secretary R&B Department, Rohit Kansal, Chief Engineer R&B, Kashmir, SK Razdan were also present on the occasion.
Pinpointing certain loopholes, Bukhari said relying on first line engineers is not healthy trend set by the departments and asked senior officers to go out from their offices and monitor personally ongoing development works coming up within their jurisdiction.“It is the duty of every functionary of the department to report every road related issues, they notice, to the authorities for necessary action,” said the Minister and directed the officials to play their role in building a durable road and drain network. He asked them to be pre-emptive and get repaired the roads and drains, whichever and wherever they notice damaged. “It is not necessary for people to report to you the dilapidated condition of roads and drains,” said the Minister and instructed authorities to mobilize their available resources for conducting survey of the roads and report to their immediate superiors for resolving the issue.
Altaf Bukhari asked officers to be realistic while framing detailed project reports (DPRs) and ensure incorporation of all the important aspects in it. He said this not only safeguards mutual interest of the Government and contractors but will ensure hassle-free progress and timely completion of the projects. He said limited working season is the major cause in delaying development works and instructed engineers to make best use of working season by encouraging double shift system.The meeting was informed that 1300 km road length is targeted to be macadamized during current season while 500 km stands completed so far. The work is going on war footing throughout the valley and will continue till October, if weather permits, the meeting was told.