Leh (Ladakh), October 31 (Scoop News)- Executive Councilor Agriculture Sonam Dorjey today convened a review meeting with the purpose of probing reasons from concerned departments for the laid back attitude in timely implementation of watershed and hariyali projects. In order to review the work progress and shortfalls, Sonam Dorjey asked the heads of various depts. including Horticulture, Agriculture, Sheep & Animal Husbandry, Soil Conservation, Forest, Rural Development and Command Area to present the detail of total expenditure, total money spend till date and the remaining allocated fund yet to utilize in the meeting.
Citing the issue as a matter of grave concern and disgrace, Sonam Dorjey urged the concerned district officers to take the issue seriously as it is posing great hindrance in commencing new projects and getting State and Centre share of funds. To insure timely completion of work and money expenditure and to keep a check on the work progress the EC set deadlines for each department seeking their commitment and assurance. Sonam Dorjey also gave a free hand to the officer to get liberal and go above the guidelines and technicalities in getting the projects completed on time but with good intention, integrity and clear conscious aiming at assert creation and public welfare.
Giving department wise detail on expenditure Command Area, Agriculture and Forest department’s officers committed to spend the remaining money by end of March, while as Sheep husbandry represented by Dr. Namgial committed July 2013 citing construction projects a great challenge in Changthang region due to delay in community working attitude and short working season. DSCO Angchuk put forth the problem of unavailability of applicants for Watershed Development Team members which affects the functioning of technical works. Rural Development Officer Kunzes highlighted the problem of non participation of people of lower and upper Leh in the implementation of the projects for which she has seek the intervention of the councilor to motivate the people.
SM Sharma, PO Watershed, Leh DRDA told the presented heads to submit the blue print of the new projects/works and their expenditure within 15 days with mention of the deadline and urged the depts. to take technical advice and support from the experts of agriculture dept for better output.
Sonam Dorjey stressed strongly on undertaking expert training, training camps, and exposure tours within district making judicious use of funds under PIA. All the officers made a request to the EC to permit exposure tour beyond the district like to Himachal side to which he assured to take up the point in a high level meeting.