Port Blair, Nov 17: The Lt. Governor, A & N Islands reviewed major projects of APWD both ongoing and those in planning stage on Monday at Raj Niwas in the presence of Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (PWD), Chief Engineer, APWD and officials of APWD and Electricity Department.
Some of the major works which were reviewed and directions issued include on-going improvement, widening, construction of footpath and cycle track from Govind Nagar Junction to Dolphin Yatri Niwas for a length of 2050 mtr. and improvement, widening, construction of footpath and cycle track from Govind Nagar Junction to Camp No. 6 bridge for a length of 4000 mtr. to be expedited and completed by April and August, 2016 respectively, the work of laying of submarine pipelines from PhongyBalu to Rutland Island to be taken up on EPC (Engineering Procurement Contract)Mode for which an appropriate consultant for preparation of DPR and for contract management during execution is to be decided. The Lt. Governor has directed to invite the required EOI (Expression of Interest) immediately so as to move forward with the said work.
For augmentation of water supply to the Port Blair town and its adjoining area made through the completion of raising of Dhanikhari Dam by 5 mtr. and the water likely to be available from Rutland Project the necessity of Flat Bay water supply project which is a huge capital intensive besides other relevant constrains on environmental and technical aspectsneeds to be reviewed. However, as a contingent measure there is an urgent need to put up low cost desalination plants. The Lt. Governor has directed to put up pilot projects one each at Chowra Island and Mayabunder which should be implemented on top priority.
The Lt. Governor directed Chief Engineer, APWD to take stock of the Mus Sea Wall project at Car Nicobar which is held up since long for one or other reasons mainly due to making available of required sizes / quantity of stone boulder and to ensure early completion of the work. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Sewerage Treatment Plant for Port Blair City should be got approved from MoUD and possibility of taking up this work under Smart City Mission may also be explored.
Regarding the NH Project, the Lt. Governor directed that a timeline to be drawn for all activities / components of NH Project which should be periodically monitored. He further desired that a D. O. letter to Secretary to GOI, MoRT&H may go from Chief Secretary, A & N Administration to resolve the issues pending with the Ministry and National Highway Authority on priority so that the work could be taken up on ground at the earliest for which sanctions has already been accorded by the Ministry. He has also directed to take up the improvement of widening of road portion of NH on priority by utilising the current fair season which will start soon. Similarly the road works under central road fund should also be pursued vigorously so as to implement as many projects which are feasible during the current fair season.
The Kamsarat Nallah Water Supply project should be completed by Nov 15, 2015 in all respects and put to use. The environmental clearance and other technical details which are awaited from CWC (Central Water Commission) in respect of Khudirampur Dam should also be pursued vigorously and obtained from respective agencies / departments so as to commence the work on ground at the earliest.
The Lt. Governor directed Chief Engineer, APWD to review the progress with regard to the pre-tender planning works in respect of proposed Medical College Building (New Campus) and to ensure early commencement of the work on ground. The Lt. Governor also desired to hold the next review meeting in the first week of December, 2015 with Chief Engineer, APWD along with respective Superintending Engineers of APWD.
