CM reviews works of PWD, Science and Technology Department

Imphal, December 10, 2018 (DIPR): In continuation of the series of meetings planned for various Government Departments, Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh reviewed the works, targets, progress and issues of Public Works Department and Science and Technology Department at the Cabinet Hall of Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.

Commissioner (Works) Shri R.K. Dinesh Singh and Chief Engineer (PWD) Shri Kh. Temba Singh explained the Chief Minister about various works taken up by the Department.

At the meeting of PWD, Shri N. Biren Singh specifically enquired about the progress of works of Civil Secretariat building at Chingmeirong, Marjing Complex at Heingang Hill, market complex at erstwhile Tombisana High School complex, construction of foot over-bridges and blacktopping of various roads.

In order to meet the deadline for completion of the new Civil Secretariat building at Chingmeirong, Shri N. Biren Singh instructed Chief Secretary Dr. J. Suresh Babu, who was also present at the meeting, to appoint some designated officials, who may particularly pursue the files of the project so that unnecessary delays are avoided. Shri N. Biren Singh said that he would sort out all the issues at political level, if any, and the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner (Works) should look into and monitor all the problems that crop up at the administrative/official level.

The Chief Minister also asked the officials to present a detailed account of all the roads i.e. Inter Village Roads, State Highways, Major District Roads and National Highways in the next meeting, and also to present it with maps and past and present photos.

Regarding development of district administration infrastructure in newly created districts, PWD officials informed the Chief Minister that works are in good progress in Jiribam, Pherzawl and Kakching districts while works in Tengnoupal and Kamjong had also already started.

Of all the total length of 1746.395 km of National Highways that pass through the State, the State PWD is responsible for the construction and maintenance of 452.415 km only. NHIDCL and BRO are looking after 762.980 km and 531 km respectively. Construction of NH 202 (Old NH-150) Churachandpur-Imphal-Yainagnagpokpi is in good progress.

Earlier, Shri N. Biren Singh also chaired another review meeting of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). DST has two registered societies viz. Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) and Manipur Remote Sensing Application Centre (MARSAC).

The Chief Minister asked the officials of the Department to present remote sensing images showing total number of households, villages, roads, condition of lakes and wetlands of the State in the next meeting. He also directed them to make a list of the projects for which funds can be sought from the Central Government.

Commissioner (Science & Technology) Shri T. Pamei made a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting. He said that NEC-funded planetariums at Churachandpur and Ukhrul are nearing completion. The Planetarium located at Manipur Science Centre, Takyelpat has been able to attract good number of visitors. The Centre has so far recorded 50,000 visitors this year alone earning Rs. 4.45 lakhs from entry fees.

Regarding the inconvenience faced by the staff of MARSAC due to absence of its own office building, the Chief Minister said that the problem can be solved once the new Civil Secretariat building is inaugurated.