Dehradun: In a significant boost to Uttarakhand’s infrastructure and public welfare initiatives, the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), presided over by Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan, an IAS officer of 1992 batch, approved development schemes totalling over ₹130 crore. The approval covers a range of works, including drinking water projects, multi-level parking facilities, Tehsil buildings, bus ports, and electricity infrastructure at Kedarnath Dham.
Chief Secretary Directs Focus on Hostels and Site Selection
During the meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan emphasized that hostel facilities must be included in all relevant construction projects, specifically at the Government Polytechnic in New Tehri, to provide students from remote areas with better residential amenities.
Read also: Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Approves Multistorey Parking and Drinking Water Projects Worth Crores
He also directed that all construction projects must include reports from the Site Selection Committee to ensure the suitability of chosen locations, reinforcing the focus on effective planning and execution.
Scheme-Wise Approvals Highlighted
Several key projects were approved during the EFC meeting, including:
- Reethamandi Drinking Water Scheme, Dehradun – ₹20.64 crore
- Multi-Village Drinking Water Scheme, Tamli (Champawat) – ₹14.57 crore
- Multi-Level Parking Facility, Kyarkhuli, Mussoorie – ₹16.06 crore
- Tehsil Building Construction, Basukedar – ₹12.26 crore
- Supplementary Works for Bus Port, Ramnagar – ₹21.57 crore
- 33 kV Power Line, Sonprayag to Kedarnath – ₹45.20 crore
These initiatives aim to strengthen basic infrastructure, ensure reliable drinking water access, improve public transport facilities, and upgrade electricity connectivity in pilgrimage and remote areas.
Senior Officials Present at the Meeting
Key senior officials present at the meeting included:
- Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram
- Secretary Chandresh Kumar Yadav
- Secretary Ravinath Raman
Their presence underscored the coordinated approach of various departments to ensure smooth project implementation and adherence to quality standards.
Focus on Infrastructure, Livelihoods and Pilgrim Safety
The approved schemes reflect the Uttarakhand government’s dual focus on infrastructure development and public welfare, particularly in regions with challenging terrain or high tourist and pilgrim footfall. By prioritizing projects like the Kedarnath power line, bus ports, and drinking water facilities, the state is addressing both citizen convenience and regional development.
