DC Ganderbal chairs review of SDA, stresses timely completion of works

• Assesses progress of works under CAPEX 2025-26

GANDERBAL: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) to assess the progress of ongoing developmental works under the CAPEX Budget 2025-26, and address bottlenecks in vital infrastructure projects.

At the outset, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sonamarg Development Authority, briefed the meeting regarding the physical and financial status of works being executed under the current CAPEX plan, including tourism infrastructure, civic amenities, beautification components, drainage systems, illumination, and sanitation projects. CEO also highlighted key issues hampering project execution in the Sonamarg bowl.

DC directed the UEED to expedite and complete the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) within the stipulated timeframe. He also stressed that the STP is a critical facility for maintaining environmental sustainability in Sonamarg, especially during peak tourist seasons. To improve tourist facilities and public safety, R&B Electric Division was instructed to install remaining streetlights and high-mast lights at identified locations expeditiously.

The R&B Department, which is the main executing agency for multiple SDA works, was directed to ensure timely completion of all ongoing projects while maintaining strict quality control. DC emphasised that tourist infrastructure, pathways, view decks, and civic assets must meet high-quality benchmarks.

He further instructed all associated departments viz. Tourism, Forest, Wildlife, Jal Shakti and others to facilitate clearances and permissions without delay, resolve field-level bottlenecks in coordination with SDA, and ensure 100% physical and financial progress under CAPEX 2025–26. He directed officers to maintain close monitoring of works and submit fortnightly progress reports to SDA and the District Administration.

DC underlined that Sonamarg is expecting heavy tourist inflow in the coming months, and therefore all works that enhance visitor experience including lighting, sanitation, drainage, pathways, parking and signage must be completed on priority. He added that developmental projects should align with the sustainability requirements of Sonamarg’s fragile environment and uphold eco-friendly standards.

DC reiterated that Sonamarg holds immense tourism potential and called for an efficient, coordinated effort from all departments to ensure high-quality and timely execution of CAPEX works. The meeting was attended by Chief Executive Officer, Sonmarg Development Authority, Bilal Mukhtar; Executive Engineers of R&B Kangan, UEED, Mechanical Engineering Srinagar, and Electrical Srinagar division;  AEEs of UEED & R&B, Accounts Officer SDA besides other concerned officers and officials.