Shimla, June 22 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Monday warned that contractors and agencies associated with the HP Shiva project showing unsatisfactory progress by June 30 would be blacklisted and their contracts terminated.
Negi reviewed work being carried out under the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition (HPSHIVA) project in approximately 1,085 hectares across 98 clusters in Mandi district and 224 hectares across 12 clusters in Una district, a statement issued here said.
HPSHIVA aims to harness the potential of horticulture in the subtropical climate area of the state.
Detailed discussions were held on the status of civil works, challenges being faced, quality of work and completion of tasks within the stipulated timeline.
The minister directed all contractors to complete the works within the prescribed time frame. He stated that no extension of deadlines would be granted under any circumstances. He emphasised that accountability would be fixed at all levels for any delay in the implementation of the project.
The minister also instructed officials of the horticulture department to ensure daily monitoring of project activities. He said that negligence on the part of contractors should invite administrative action as per contractual provisions, along with the imposition of penalties.
He directed all stakeholders to ensure significant progress before the next review meeting and said that subject matter specialists and management experts would be accountable for plant health management and would provide technical guidance to farmers on various agricultural and horticultural activities.
He also instructed the Jal Shakti Vibhag and the State Electricity Board to ensure the timely availability of water and electricity at project sites.
He further directed that the Jal Shakti Vibhag should operate all completed lift irrigation schemes for one month before handing them over, so that their functionality could be adequately tested. PTI BPL — SKY SKY
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