CS Sets June Deadline for Rs 3,440 Cr Flood Restoration Works | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday directed all departments to complete approvals and tendering by June for works under the Rs 3,440.43 crore plan for permanent restoration of damage caused by floods and related calamities in 2025, stressing time-bound execution and strict compliance with approved estimates.

Chairing a high-level review meeting, Dulloo called for immediate administrative approvals and technical sanctions to ensure early commencement of works, particularly in critical sectors, and directed departments to accord highest priority to the restoration programme.

He also emphasised adherence to guidelines issued by the Disaster Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, directing departments to align all proposals with Post Disaster Needs Assessment findings and avoid duplication of funding, particularly under Recovery and Reconstruction (R and R) and Special Additional Central Assistance components.

During the meeting, officials reviewed utilisation of Rs 3,440.43 crore earmarked for recovery, reconstruction and resilience-building, including Rs 1,579.09 crore approved under the Recovery and Reconstruction component of the UT Disaster Response Fund as Central Financial Assistance.

Officials said the funds would be used for permanent restoration of roads, bridges, irrigation systems and other critical public infrastructure under a “build back better” approach to enhance disaster resilience.

The meeting was informed that Rs 330.34 crore approved under SDRF/NDRF norms would address immediate and residual impacts of disasters such as floods, flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts.

Utilisation of Rs 1,431 crore under the Special Additional Central Assistance component was also reviewed, with allocations proposed for critical infrastructure in Roads and Buildings, Jal Shakti, Power Development, Agriculture and Youth Services and Sports sectors.

Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar stressed strict implementation timelines and assured availability of the UT share to facilitate smooth execution of projects. He said department-wise allocations would be made through BEAMS for timely uploading and execution of works.

The 2025–26 CAPEX Budget provisions for flood mitigation and restoration, including strengthening flood control infrastructure and protective works, also came up for review.

Calling for close inter-departmental coordination and robust monitoring, the Chief Secretary directed departments to ensure outcome-oriented implementation to strengthen recovery and resilience against future disasters.

Senior administrative secretaries attended the meeting, while Deputy Commissioners joined through video conferencing.