DC Ganderbal takes stock of preparations made for Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tulmulla
SRINAGAR, June 19: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday directed all departments to accelerate the execution of disaster restoration and reconstruction projects worth nearly ₹3,000 crore across Jammu and Kashmir, stressing strict adherence to timelines and full utilization of funds under centrally sponsored recovery programmes.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed progress in the identification, approval and execution of infrastructure restoration projects being undertaken under the Disaster Component of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA)-based Recovery and Reconstruction package sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs following the devastating floods and landslides of 2025.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Principal Secretary, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRR&R); Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports; Managing Director, JKPDC; Directors General of Accounts and Treasuries, Resources and Budget, besides senior officers of the concerned departments.
Reviewing the implementation status, Dulloo underscored the importance of completing all restoration works within the prescribed timelines and directed departments to significantly expedite execution to ensure full expenditure under the SASCI framework before the scheme's sunset provisions come into effect.
He instructed departments to immediately finalize and submit all pending permanent restoration projects under the PDNA framework and forward additional restoration proposals worth around ₹232 crore to the Finance Department for consideration.
To maintain transparency and prevent duplication of expenditure, the Chief Secretary directed all departments to furnish certificates confirming that projects proposed under SASCI and PDNA are not being financed through any other scheme or funding source, making it clear that no financial claims would be processed without such certification.
The Chief Secretary also asked the Public Works Department, Power Development Department and Housing and Urban Development Department to expedite the submission of additional infrastructure projects for inclusion under the Disaster Component of SASCI for the financial year 2026-27.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar presented a detailed overview of financial assistance received, departmental allocations, project portfolios and implementation status under both funding mechanisms aimed at restoring damaged public infrastructure and enhancing disaster resilience.
The meeting was informed that Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated ₹1,431 crore under the Disaster Component of SASCI for restoration, reconstruction and mitigation measures. Of this, ₹860 crore has been earmarked for the Public Works Department, ₹315 crore for the Jal Shakti Department, ₹173 crore for the Power Development Department, ₹51 crore for the Agriculture Production Department and ₹32 crore for the Youth Services and Sports Department.
It was further informed that the Sub-Committee of the National Executive Committee (SC-NEC) of the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved ₹1,579.09 crore under the PDNA-based Recovery and Reconstruction package, including a Central share of ₹1,421.12 crore and a Union Territory share of ₹157.91 crore.
The approved assistance covers key sectors including housing, education, health, roads, public infrastructure, drinking water supply, sanitation, power, irrigation, agriculture, tourism, horticulture and environmental restoration, with the largest allocation directed towards rebuilding roads, public buildings, power infrastructure and water supply systems damaged during the 2025 disasters.
Officials informed the meeting that, following reconciliation of project proposals and elimination of overlapping works, restoration projects worth nearly ₹1,196 crore have been finalized under SASCI, while work plans exceeding ₹1,025 crore have already been uploaded on the BEAMS platform. The Finance Department has released more than ₹429 crore to various departments for implementation of approved projects.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness, Dulloo emphasized that the ongoing reconstruction initiatives should not only restore damaged assets but also strengthen public infrastructure to withstand future disasters, safeguarding lives, livelihoods and essential services across Jammu and Kashmir.
GANDERBAL, JUNE 19: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, today visited the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla to take stock of the arrangements being put in place for the forthcoming annual Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela.
During the visit, the DC conducted a comprehensive inspection of the temple premises and reviewed the preparedness of various departments with regard to facilities being provided for the convenience and comfort of devotees expected to participate in the annual mela.
The DC inspected accommodation facilities established for pilgrims, including the Yatri Niwas and temporary tented accommodation being arranged to cater to the anticipated influx of devotees. He directed the concerned departments to ensure that all lodging facilities are clean, well-maintained and equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay.
Reviewing arrangements for community kitchens (langars), the DC instructed the concerned agencies to ensure adequate space, proper sanitation and uninterrupted supply of water and electricity at all designated langar sites. He emphasized that all facilities should be made available in a coordinated manner to facilitate smooth functioning of langars during the mela period.
The DC also inspected healthcare arrangements and reviewed the preparedness of the medical team being deployed at the temple. He directed the Health Department to ensure availability of doctors, paramedical staff, ambulances, emergency medicines and first-aid facilities so that devotees receive prompt medical assistance whenever required.
Special emphasis was laid on the provision of safe drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation facilities and cleanliness around the temple premises. The concerned departments were directed to ensure regular maintenance of toilets, proper waste disposal mechanisms and round-the-clock availability of essential services during the mela.
Later, the DC also visited the Central University of Kashmir campus at Tulmulla to review the accommodation arrangements being made for devotees. During the visit, he inspected lodging facilities, langar sites, parking spaces and other amenities being put in place for the convenience of pilgrims.
He directed the concerned officers to ensure proper cleanliness, adequate drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation facilities and clear signage within the campus.
Interacting with officers on the spot, the DC stressed that every effort should be made to provide a safe, comfortable and spiritually enriching experience to devotees visiting the shrine. He directed all stakeholder departments to work in close coordination and remain available on the ground to address any issue that may arise during the mela period.
Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Revenue, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal, Executive Engineers of KPDCL, Jal Shakti, and PMGSY besides Chief Medical Officer and other officers and officials accompanied the DC during the inspection.
