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Chandigarh: New chief secretary directs timely execution of development projects
H Rajesh Prasad also reviewed the progress of important ongoing construction and maintenance projects related to roads, government and institutional buildings
The UT chief secretary, H Rajesh Prasad, on Tuesday chaired his first meeting with the engineering department and directed officials to ensure time-bound execution of development and maintenance projects of Chandigarh’s infrastructure.
Prasad, who assumed charge as the Chandigarh chief secretary on October 8, directed the department to closely monitor and identify bottlenecks in the execution of projects and take appropriate actions in consultation with other departments where inter-departmental issues are involved.
He also reviewed the progress of important ongoing construction and maintenance projects related to roads, government and institutional buildings. Prasad emphasised the need for innovation, efficiency and accountability in ensuring that the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with its growing administrative and civic needs.
A comprehensive presentation was made regarding the sanctioned strength of technical staff, vacancy position and efforts being made for filling up the vacant posts. Prasad directed officials for expeditious filling up of vacant posts, particularly in the technical cadre, to impart efficiency to the execution of works.
The chief secretary also directed that new proposals/schemes which require approval of the Union ministry of home affairs in view of the revised delegation of financial powers be expeditiously submitted to the ministry for concurrence. He further directed the department to ensure adherence to timelines in the execution of projects and to utilise the allocated budget for the financial year 2025–26.
During the meeting, the chief secretary was briefed on the department’s major initiatives and best practices. The restoration and preservation of the Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was also discussed, and details of works being undertaken were presented.
The chief secretary reviewed the major projects that have contributed to the city’s infrastructural growth. Notable among them is the new Hostel Block in Sector 50, Kajheri School and the IT Block in Sector 46, which have enhanced the educational and community infrastructure.
Additionally, the construction of 144 government houses at Dhanas and the Emergency Block at GMCH-32 were highlighted as key developments aimed at strengthening the housing and healthcare infrastructure of the union territory.
Prasad directed that focused attention be given to accelerate the execution of various projects by resolving coordination issues among various departments and the uptake of emerging engineering technologies.
He further directed the department to strengthen monitoring systems to ensure that all projects meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The chief secretary stressed the need to align future initiatives with the broader vision of sustainable and citizen-centric urban development.
Agriculture secretary reviews developmental works at Sector 26 Mandi
The secretary, agriculture, Chandigarh administration, Pardeep Kumar, chaired a meeting on Tuesday to review ongoing developmental and infrastructural works at Sector 26 Mandi, Chandigarh. The review focused on the progress of cement concrete road construction, installation of LED lights and high-mast CCTV cameras, public health-related works, and measures to improve sanitation and remove encroachments in the area.
During the meeting, Paviter Singh, administrator, Market Committee, Chandigarh, briefed the secretary about various steps being taken to decongest and improve the Mandi area. The Market Committee outlined several initiatives, including strengthening the enforcement wing for removing unauthorised vendors, installing barriers at entry and exit points for better vehicle management, constructing and repairing parking areas, fixing GI pipe fencing at key locations, marking parking zones for different vehicle types, and maintaining auction platforms for vegetables and grains.
