The process of tenders on the ambitious All Weather Road project for Char Dham shrines would be completed within a month, said the Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh while interacting with the media at his office on Thursday. He said that the Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari would soon visit the State during which he will review the progress of the project.
The CS said that work on land acquisition and forest clearance is going on at a rapid pace and compensation of almost Rs 175 crore has been paid to the land owners. He said that the all tenders for the project would be floated till February and they would be completed within the stipulated period of time. The CS added that Detailed Project Report (DPR) of certain work packages are being prepared at the level of Union Government and the State Government would release work tenders after these DPRs are received. On the proposed International Skiing competition, the CS said that the intention of the government is to increase chances of participation of Indian skiers in the Olympics as the participants get some points by taking part in the event recognised by International Ski Federation (FIS). The important event is being organised at Auli from January 15 to 21. The lack of adequate snowfall and decreased humidity has raised question mark on the event as sufficient snow is reportedly not present on the slopes.
The CS said that the artificial snow making machines are working and all preparations for the event have been made. A total of 24 skiers from eight countries have confirmed their participation in the event while about 150 Indian athletes are expected to take part, he informed. Singh would visit Auli and inspect preparations for the event.
The CS said that the focus of government is on providing healthcare, education and employment opportunity.
The work on major infrastructure projects like All weather road and Kedarnath reconstruction are also going on a rapid pace.
On the question of allowing mining lease after initially imposing a ban, the CS said that the decision has been taken after examining all the aspects within the provision of law and assessing merits and demerits.