Rana reviews RDSS implementation  in Poonch

Jammu, July 22: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana today conducted a thorough and comprehensive review of the implementation of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in District Poonch in a meeting at Civil Secretariat, Jammu.According to a statement issued here, the meeting aimed at assessing the progress and quality of work being executed under RDSS, a critical initiative strategically designed to transform the power distribution sector in J&K especially in the hilly district Poonch, which is uniquely vulnerable to frequent flash floods and landslides.The meeting was attended by key officials, including Shrikant Balasaheb Susé, 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 meticulously focused on identifying and addressing existing issues, as well as charting a proactive way forward to ensure the successful implementation of RDSS in District Poonch.During the review, the Minister expressed concern over the alleged subpar execution quality of RDSS projects in Poonch, emphasising that it falls significantly short of the prescribed technical standards, particularly in light of the district’s distinctive geography and topography. Rana 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. Comprehensive field inspections revealed instances of improper finishing, unaligned poles and loose conductor sagging, which not only detract from the aesthetic appeal but also pose substantial safety risks. Javed Rana 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 the 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 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.