Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today conducted an extensive tour of Samba district to review the progress of major developmental works and issued firm directions for their timely and high-quality execution.
During his inspection of the under-construction District Development Council (DDC) building, the Secretary instructed officials to expedite the pace of work while strictly adhering to quality parameters. He emphasized that the project must be completed within the stipulated timeline, preferably before March next year.
Officials briefed him that nearly 85% of the construction has been completed. The project, initially approved at a cost of Rs 257 lakh, now carries a revised estimate of Rs 292.72 lakh. The Secretary also visited the Gobardhan Bio-Gas Plant at Badhori in Block Bari Brahmana, built at a cost of Rs 29 lakh.
Officials informed him that both civil and mechanical works have been completed and the commissioning process will begin shortly. Calling for the asset to be developed as a model project, Secretary Asad directed officers to ensure robust systems for its long-term operation, maintenance, and sustainability.
He noted that the plant will not only cater to local energy needs but also create livelihood opportunities for the community. Later, the Secretary inaugurated the Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DEWAT) at Supwal in Block Samba, constructed at a cost of Rs 12.42 lakh.
He said the DEWAT system is effectively treating wastewater at the local level, significantly reducing environmental impact. Commending the efforts of field teams, he described the initiative as a noteworthy step in scientific wastewater management and stressed that similar projects should be replicated in other areas lacking drainage or treatment infrastructure.
Aijaz Asad also inspected several other ongoing works in the district and directed officials to complete them within the defined timelines. He was accompanied during the visit by DG Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra; ACD Samba, ACP Samba, and the BDOs of the district.