Leh, April 24: PWD Secretary Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary on Friday directed officials to accelerate infrastructure works across Ladakh, stressing strict monitoring, timely completion, and better financial accountability while reviewing the Annual Action Plan under the State Development Plan (SDP)/State Sector Plan for 2026–27.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the Public Works (R&B) Department and allied agencies, the Administrative Secretary reviewed a wide range of ongoing and proposed development projects across the Union Territory and called for focused attention on strategically important regions including Nyoma, Nubra, Zanskar, Khaltsi, Drass and Changthang.
Expressing concern over delays in the construction of the auditorium at Khaltsi, a project estimated at Rs 19 crore, Baseer-ul-Haq noted that the work, originally scheduled for completion in March 2026, has now been extended till October.
He directed the concerned department to submit detailed monthly progress reports, including component-wise updates and DPR-based assessments, making it clear that further release of funds would depend on satisfactory progress on the ground.
The Secretary also reviewed the construction of departmental quarters for staff at Tehsil Information Centres in Nubra, Drass, Zanskar and Khaltsi and instructed officials to complete the projects within the stipulated timelines, fixing June and July as the target months for completion.
A detailed assessment was also carried out for works under hospitality and protocol, including residential suites, Ladakh House Chandigarh, wildlife infrastructure, upgradation of forest facilities at Karzoo Leh, staff quarters in Kargil, flood restoration works under BRO Vijayak and Himank, and bridge infrastructure projects.
Baseer-ul-Haq stressed that infrastructure development must go beyond physical assets and strengthen social sectors such as healthcare, education and connectivity, particularly in remote and strategically significant areas.
He also directed departments to prepare a list of completed projects ready for inauguration so that these assets can be dedicated to the public without unnecessary delay.
Emphasizing financial discipline, he asked all departments to maintain clear work abstracts, strictly follow project timelines, and ensure efficient use of allocated resources.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer, Public Works (R&B)/PMGSY, Joint Director Hospitality and Protocol, Joint Director Information and Public Relations, Assistant Director Planning, Assistant Director Information, Executive Engineers of all PWD divisions, Executive Engineers of CPWD, and other concerned officers.
