Minister of Finance, Dr Haseeb A Drabu, today cleared the proposal for construction of the Administrative Complex in Pulwama which will house all the major government offices scattered across the district.

During a review meeting of the developmental works in Pulwama district, Dr Drabu was informed that there is shortage of 21 office buildings in Pulwama district as these offices are functioning in private, rented and other makeshift accommodation.

The meeting was informed that such offices include PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, JKPCC, PMGSY, Electric Sub Transmission Division, Tehsil Office, State Forest Corporation, Youth Services and Sports, ICDS, Social Welfare, District Panchayat Office, DRDA, Handicraft, Handloom, Labour and Employment and Geology and Mining.

The Minister cleared the proposal for building Additional Administrative Complex in DIC Complex at a cost of Rs 5.64 crore and Residential Complex of 12 sets for District Officers at a cost of Rs 6.41 crore while directing the officials to prepare a separate DPR for Engineering Complex. The Minister urged the district authorities to prepare a people-friendly design of the buildings so that the aggrieved persons don’t face difficulties in reaching the concerned offices.

The meeting was also attended by Navin Kumar Chaudhary, Commissioner Secretary Finance, Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, Muneer-ul-Islam and other officers of the district.

While appreciating the District Administration for successfully undertaking developmental works despite the prevailing situation, Dr Drabu also gave a go-ahead for formulating an irrigation scheme for a large area of Chandgam-Tahab Karewa dry land which was a long pending demand of the people. The issue was also highlighted in the DDB meeting. “The irrigation facility will increase the productivity and in turn ameliorate the socio-economic condition of the area,” Dr Drabu said.

The Finance Minister also urged the District Administration to finish work on the Circular Road from Shopian road to Newa urgently so that the main town of Pulwama is decongested which will provide relief to the people. The Minister was informed that 30 km of roads have been macadamized in the district while the work is running ahead of schedule on macadamizing other roads.

Dr Drabu directed the PHE Department to complete augmentation of Water Supply Schemes for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora by September this year.

The meeting was informed that for the upgradation of Pulwama District Hospital, a proposal for Registration-cum-Reception Hall and Attendant Hall with Canteen has been formulated. It was also revealed that the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has taken up de-silting of Jhelum and other water bodies to prevent the threat of floods.

In the area of Horticulture in Pulwama, the meeting was told that 25089 hectares of land is under cultivation of fresh and dry fruit with a production of 173416 metric tonnes generating annual revenue of Rs 506 crore. Despite large producer of fruits, there is no testing lab in the district.

Keeping this in view, the officials have proposed to establish Pesticides Analysis Laboratory at a cost of Rs 75 lakh and Community Caning and Fruit Preservation Centre for Rs 60 lakh. The Minister said the proposal will be cleared as soon as funds become available.

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