State’s Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh inspected works being undertaken in Tehri district as part of the all-weather road project, homestay facilitation and the Dobra-Chanthi bridge on Sunday. He directed the officials concerned to ensure that the work is completed on time.
Along with the Garhwal commissioner and tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar, the chief secretary first checked the facilities for tourists visiting the Dhanaulti area. After issuing necessary instructions to the officials concerned, the chief secretary also inspected work on the Kaddukhal-Surkanda ropeway.
Regarding the executing agency aiming the complete work on the ropeway by 2019, Singh asked the officials concerned to complete work before this time. The ropeway facility will help increase the number of visitors here which in turn will also increase the income of locals, he said. He also directed the officials of the Public Works Department to consult with the local residents in setting up of shops for the locals along with facility for parking vehicles.
He also directed them to facilitate the construction of toilets in the area.
Regarding the demand of the 16 horse-mule operators in the area for employment, he directed the district magistrate to coordinate discussion between the executing company and the operators to arrive at a suitable solution.
The Bharatiya Janata Party district head Sanjay Negi informed that apart from the Surkanda pumping scheme, the Anand Chowk and Banali potable water schems in the Saklana area amounting to Rs 22 crore have been pending in the administration.
Later, at Chaukhal and Saudgaon, the chief secretary visited the home-stay facilities being managed by the local residents. Appreciating the efforts undertaking by the home-stay operators, Singh also requested other local residents to adopt the home-stay business. On asking about the enterprise run by Suman and Manju Pundir at Chaukhal, the chief secretary was informed that both earn about Rs 1.5 lakh a year from their enterprise. He also appreciated similar work being undertaken by Deepak Ramola in Saudgaon. Regarding the Chamba farmers outlet and parking being constructed by PWD on Koti Colony road, the chief secretary pulled up officials regarding the revised estimate, stressing that they should have kept the higher authorities informed about the change as they took place. It was stated that an expense of Rs 9.45 crore has been shown against the approved cost of Rs seven crore.
The Chief Secretary then inspected the Dobra-Chanthi bridge work, directing that the work should be completed within the set time limit.
The Tehri District Magistrate Sonika, senior superintendent of police Vimla Gunjyal and other officials were also among those present during the Chief Secretary’s inspection.