Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi today here held a review meeting on the implementation of Phase-II of the HP SHIVA project in the state. He directed officials to complete the identification of areas for the second phase of the HP SHIVA Project by 10 June.
The Minister was apprised regarding the detailed overview of the area and cluster selection process. It was informed that under the first phase of the project, approximately 3,083 hectares of land had already been finalized and work was progressing as planned.
For the second phase, around 3,000 hectares have been proposed across seven districts. So far 2,414 hectares are currently under evaluation. A shortfall of nearly 586 hectares has been reported.
District-wise, the identified area includes 365 hectares in Kangra, 297 hectares in Bilaspur, 532 hectares in Hamirpur, 655 hectares in Mandi, 187 hectares in Sirmaur, 132 hectares in Solan and 244 hectares in Una. The Minister directed officials to expedite the process and ensure that the remaining area is identified within the stipulated deadline.
Earlier, Sh. Negi also reviewed the progress of works being undertaken in Hamirpur and Kangra districts under the project. In Hamirpur, activities are being carried out across approximately 510 hectares covering 67 clusters, while in Kangra, work is underway in around 781 hectares spread over 81 clusters.
Jagat Singh Negi reviewed the civil works, challenges being faced at project sites and said that quality standards must be ensured. He directed all implementing agencies and contractors to complete the assigned works within the stipulated time period. He said that no extension of deadlines would be granted under any circumstances.
He stressed that accountability for delays in project implementation would be fixed at all levels. He instructed the Horticulture Department to undertake daily monitoring of project activities and ensure strict supervision of ongoing works. He further directed that contractors failing to meet contractual obligations should face strict action and financial penalties as per the provisions of their agreements.
The Minister also directed the Jal Shakti Department and the Electricity Board to ensure the timely availability of water and power connections at all project sites to facilitate smooth execution of works. Expressing concern over delays and quality issues, Sh. Negi said that contractors showing unsatisfactory progress by 15 June would be blacklisted and their contracts be terminated.
He said that responsibility would also be fixed on supervisory officials wherever deficiencies in the quality of work are found. Director Horticulture Dr. Satish Sharma, Project Director HP SHIVA Dr. Devender Singh Thakur and other senior officers of concerned departments were present in the meeting.