Shillong, Dec 07: The meeting of the Working Group-1, Meghalaya State Planning Board which met today to review the Plan, Expenditure, and Progress of Schemes, to review the implementation and achievement for plan schemes under Public Works Department during 2011-12 and 2012-13 was held the meeting was presided over by Mr Salseng C Marak, MLA,Chairman, in presence of the Co-Chairman, Dy Chairman, Meghalaya State Planning Board, including top officials of the Public Works Department.
During the review meeting the PWD officials submitted details of the implementation and achievement of plan schemes, such as Special Plan Assistance (SPA 2011-2012 2012-2013), Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA 2011-2012; 2012-2013), RIDF-State Plan Schemes ( 2011-2012, 2012-2013); State Plan Schemes,Centrally Sponsored Schemes (NEC Schemes & Flood Management Programme), Conversion of SPT Bridges into RCC Permanent Bridges 2011-2012 – 2012-2013 under 13th Finance Commission award, Special Plan Assistance (Upgradation of SHs/MRDS and Urban Roads – 2011-2012 2012-2013; State plan 2011-2012, 2012-2013. A review of the ongoing financial and physical achievement of the PMGSY was discussed.
A detail discussion on the present progress of construction of the different four lane Highways was held and the PWD has been advised to conduct frequent inspections so as to ease the inconvenience presently faced by the common commuters, and drivers.
On the status of the critical and major bridges the PWD officials informed that they are hopeful of completing the Sahsniang –Kuriliya Bridge (near assam border) and the Simsang –Williamnagar, and Bridge by 2014.
In connection with the Shella Bridge over river umiam, the contractor has withdrawn, and the expertise of IIT Guwahati was sought for fresh design and drawings which have been received and tender for the balance work is in progress. Serious efforts are going on to complete the other major and critical bridges of the state.
To further improve monitoring of schemes a special training was conducted in Tura for the technical officials of PWD, similar such training programs will be also conducted in other districts.
In view of the clarifications sought on a number of schemes, by the Chairman, Co-Chairman, and Dy Chairman, it was decided to allow the Public Works Department two months to compile and furnish all the information before the State Planning Board in February 2014. (SP News)
