Jammu, July 22: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted a comprehensive review of implementation of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in Poonch districtThe meeting, held at Civil Secretariat, Jammu was specifically aimed at assessing the progress and quality of work being executed under RDSS. This is a critical initiative strategically designed to transform the power distribution sector in J&K especially in the hilly district Poonch, which is vulnerable to flash floods and landslides.The meeting was attended by key officials, including Shrikant Balasaheb Suse Managing Director, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Mumtaz Ahmed, Chief Engineer (Projects) & Secretary (Technical) and K K Thapa, Chief Engineer, JPDCL besides other concerned officers.The discussions were focused on identifying and addressing the existing issues, as well as chalking out a proactive way forward to ensure successful implementation of RDSS in Poonch.During the review, the Minister explicitly directed the Managing Director to ensure that there is absolutely no compromise with the quality of work, mandating that all projects must meticulously meet the stipulated standards. Specific areas of concern that were thoroughly identified and deliberated upon during the review encompassed the alleged improper installation of critical infrastructure, including poles, transformers and service lines. The Minister directed the Managing Director to rigorously ensure that all construction materials strictly conform to the approved Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and specifications, thereby safeguarding the durability and reliability of the infrastructure being constructed.Furthermore, the Minister explicitly instructed that all equipment installations must be conducted with proper quality assurance testing and thorough inspection to ensure utmost safety and efficacy of the systems. He also underscored the critical importance of preventing deviations from the Detailed Project Report (DPR) scope without obtaining proper approvals, to ensure strict adherence to established protocols. The Minister placed particular emphasis on ensuring safe work practices by the contractors and workers, mandating the installation of proper earthing and protective devices to pre-empt any public safety risks associated with exposed or improperly installed wires. Additionally, the Minister expressed significant concern over delays in the conduct of surveys and the progress of ongoing projects, which are pivotal to the timely completion and ultimate success of the RDSS initiatives in Poonch. The Minister reaffirmed the imperative necessity for immediate corrective action to address the identified shortcomings. This will ensure that all RDSS projects are executed with the highest possible quality standards, unwavering transparency and strict adherence to safety protocols, ultimately aiming to benefit the people, he added.
