CEO ERA inspects World Bank funded works worth Rs 235 cr

SRINAGAR : As a sequel to continuous monitoring of works being executed by Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency, Chief Executive Officer, J&KERA, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, today inspected progress on various infrastructure projects worth Rs 235 crore being executed by the agency under various components of World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project.

These sub projects will directly benefit millions of people across J&K.

During site inspection of construction work on pumping stations at Lalmandi, Dr Abid was informed that work on the sub project is being executed as part of strengthening of the Urban Flood Management component of World Bank funded JTFRP. This included revamping of 49 storm water pumping stations in Srinagar city which had suffered massive damages to its civil structure and electro-mechanical equipment’s. The sub project will benefit more than 12 lakh people living in the city.

The sub project is being executed by Srinagar Municipal Corporation as PIU (Project Implementation Unit) with a cost of Rs 103 crore. This involved construction of new pump house buildings above the highest flood level recorded in 2014 besides installation of new electrical and mechanical equipment’s in these pump houses..

It was added that the unique feature of the sub-project is the installation of submersible pumps which can even operate in submerged conditions. These pumping stations will also be provided with 24×7 supply of electricity and high capacity diesel set generators. These pumping stations along with the remaining pumping stations in Srinagar city are also being connected with the SCADA system which can also be operated from the SCADA Control Room Building which is being constructed by JKERA at Ompura, Budgam under JTFRP.

CEO ERA asked the engineers of PIU and executing agencies to strictly adhere to quality control parameters besides ensuring completion of work within the set parameters.

Dr Abid also visited the Rs 14.04 crore Composite Market Centre of Silk and Rs 4.50 crore of Wool at Rajbagh and Bemina which have been completed under the World Bank funded JTFRP. Both the plants have also been provided with the latest silk and wool weaving and preparatory machines like rapier looms, 2 for 1 twister, boilers and related equipments with a cost of Rs. 28.49 crore.

It was informed that strengthening of the infrastructure in the two heritage factories has greatly helped in revival of the traditional cottage industries in J&K. besides, it directly benefited more than 60,000 artisans associated with the traditional crafts in J&K.

CEO ERA also inspected progress of work on construction of administrative block and central store building at Fire and Emergency Services headquarters, Batmaloo, Srinagar. The building is being constructed with a cost of Rs 9.07 crore by PWD (R&B) Kashmir as Project Implementation Unit.

CEO ERA directed R&B to strictly adhere to social safeguard measures at site with due compliance to the project timelines.

During visit to Fire and Emergency headquarters, Batmallo, various equipments like proximity jackets, cutter, combi tools, ramps, hydraulic jacks, fire entry suits, breathing apparatus sets, waterjet blankets, Quick Response Vehicles, multipurpose fire tenders, Regular Fire Tenders worth a cumulative cost of Rs 14.48 crore provided to the department under the World Bank funded JTFRP were shown to the CEO ERA with demonstration also.

Later, Dr Abid visited the site for construction of State of Art Additional Hospital Building at Bone and Joints Hospital, Barzulla, which is being undertaken at a cost of Rs 89 crore.

Iftikhar Ahmad Wani, Director Technical, JTFRP, informed the CEO that considerable progress has been achieved on construction of superstructure of the state of art building which has G+4 structure with modern earthquake resilient technology, modular operation theatres, laminar flow system, TSSU (Theatre Sterile Supply Unit), ICU, Pre & Post Operation care wards, Central Sterile Supply Department, specialized laundry, pneumatic tube system and waste collection system.

CEO ERA asked the executing agency, National Project Construction Corporation (NPCC), to further expedite work on the project to ensure its completion within set timelines.

Director, Finance, JKERA, Project Manager, Hydraulic, and Project Manager, Transport also accompanied the CEO ERA during his site visit.