Jammu, Sep 26 (NVI): Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Arvind Karwani on Saturday inspected ongoing development works at migrant camps in Jagti and Nagrota and reviewed the implementation of social sector schemes for eligible beneficiaries.
Karwani, accompanied by senior officers of the Relief Organisation and officials of various departments, took stock of infrastructure, water supply, power, sanitation and other basic amenities at the camps.
The Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Nagrota, briefed him about repair and renovation works covering more than 200 building blocks and around 5,000 flats and community halls across migrant camps in Jammu.
The government has recently accorded administrative approval involving a financial outlay of Rs 82.45 crore for the works, officials said.
The PWD has also formulated a comprehensive project for development of internal roads and lanes, parks, and facelift of migrant schools, health dispensaries and Sub-District Hospital Jagti.
Karwani directed officials to conduct structural audits of all buildings and ensure quality execution of works in consultation with the public and concerned camp commandants.
Reviewing water supply, he was informed that infrastructure damaged in last year’s floods has been restored and all borewells made functional.
He directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure uninterrupted water supply and adequate deployment of tankers wherever required. A long-term project, with a tentative cost of around Rs 10 crore, has also been conceived to augment water supply in Jagti Township, officials said.
Karwani also stressed regular testing of water quality to ensure safe drinking water.
The UEED informed him that sewage treatment plants costing around Rs 11.5 crore have been finalised for the Nagrota, Muthi-Buta Nagar and Purkhoo migrant camps, with work expected to commence shortly.
Tender formalities for construction of multipurpose community halls in all migrant camps, involving around Rs 20 crore, are also at an advanced stage, officials said.
The facilities are envisaged to provide space for women’s self-help groups, libraries and promotion of culture and heritage.
Reviewing the extension of social sector schemes, Karwani was informed that nearly 3,000 families have availed benefits following the digitisation and integration of migrant ration cards with the national database.
The next round of outreach camps will begin from September 30 at various locations in Jammu to facilitate online applications for social welfare, self-employment and skill development schemes.
Karwani directed senior officers of the Relief Organisation to undertake weekly visits to assigned camps, review development works and address grievances, including issues related to immovable properties in the Kashmir Valley.
He also directed officials to supervise door-to-door campaigns to identify eligible beneficiaries and assist them with documentation and online applications.
Karwani reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible migrant family is covered under social sector and welfare schemes.—(NVI)
