Srinagar, July 7, KDC: In a high-level meeting today, the advisor of Prime Minister Tarun Kapoor, made a comprehensive review of the development trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir, which extended to energy, health, infrastructure, urban renewal, connectivity and governance reforms.
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulu, was present in the meeting with other senior officials.
The meeting brought together the administrative secretaries of the UT government and the administrative secretaries of senior officials of various central agencies, who implement mega projects throughout the region.
The advisor was informed on the importance of each major project, current status and estimated closing timeline.
The session began with a review of major hydroelectric projects (HEPS), which is the backbone of J&K’s energy strategy. Projects like Pakistan Dal (1000 MW) were prominently discussed for developing at a cost of Rs 12,757 crore and completion by December 2026. In addition, updates were also shared on Kiru (624 MW) with 60% of physical progress, Kwar (540 MW) in 22% progress and currently 23% rated (850 MW) on physical progress. Other strategic projects such as Solcot, URI Phase-II, Kirathai-II, Bursar and Tulsbal storage also came under the focus.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of these projects at the national level, the advisor called for strong organizational structures and efficient decision making processes to ensure their time performance.
The advisor reviewed major railway projects like Landmark Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), and Kajigund-Budgam Double Line, Baramulla-Uri, Sopor-Kupwara, Anantnag-Pahalgam and Jammu-Katara double line. These
Road infrastructure being implemented by NHAI, NHIDCL and BRO was also reviewed. The advisor discussed challenges such as the availability of construction materials and issuing short -term permits to address the supply interval.
A detailed review was done at AIIMS complexes in Jammu and Srinagar. While Jammu AIMS is already functional, Kashmir AIMS is on track for completion by November this year. The advisor also assessed progress on the purchase of faculty recruitment and high end medical equipment to ensure world class healthcare distribution in these prestigious institutions.
With a vision for the future of a greenery, the advisor reviewed the solar initiative under PM Surya Ghar: Mufal Electricity Scheme. He asked to focus on installing the grid -linked solar panels for domestic consumers and government buildings, which was handled by PDD and J&C Energy Development Agency (Jacda) government agencies.
With a review of the existing and proposed sewage treatment plants (STP) to improve water quality and preserve the ecological balance of the lake, the health of the Dal Lake was also in the headlines.
Kapoor insisted on Sustainable Lake Management to protect the iconic natural heritage of the valley.
He also assessed the urban infrastructure projects in Jammu and Srinagar. These included PM Ebis Seva, Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), modern parking infrastructure, IMS Katra, Water Transport and Smart City/Amrut schemes. These initiatives are ready to improve urban mobility, environmental stability and civil-centric service distribution significantly.
The advisor appreciated the UT’s mission youth, which aims to create a way of permanent livelihood for the youth. He emphasized both financial and institutional assistance to identify viable, local regions and promote nano enterprises, MSMEs and startups in sunrise areas through a comprehensive umbrella scheme.
He also reviewed a detailed review of telecom connectivity and digital empowerment. He was informed that with the Bharatnet initiative, efforts are underway to expand high-speed internet in every corner of the UT, including its most villages.
In addition, IT reforms are being executed in collaboration with BISAG-N, which insisted on making the administration more transparent, accountable and accessible through digital platforms and integrated governance equipment.
In short, the advisor expressed satisfaction with the scale of progress, underlining timely execution, inter-agency coordination and the need for people-focused results. He confirmed the Center’s commitment to give extreme priority to Jammu and Kashmir, converting the region into a model of inclusive development and digital rule. (KDC)
