Dehradun – During a high‑level Executive Committee session at the Secretariat, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan scrutinised the current status of several Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) programmes. He cautioned that every initiative must stick to its approved schedule and that progress assessments need to be systematic and unforgiving.
Dedicated Manager Appointed for Sharda Riverfront Corridor
Expressing disappointment over the sluggish advance of the Sharda Riverfront Corridor, the Chief Secretary noted that the implementing body, UPDCC, had completed barely 10 % of the work after ten months. To quicken delivery, he ordered the deployment of a full‑time project manager on the ground, responsible for continuous oversight and rapid problem‑solving.
He also directed the creation of PERT charts for all UIIDB schemes, embedding explicit milestones. Future meetings will benchmark progress against these charts, and any deviation will trigger root‑cause analysis and corrective measures.
New Oversight Layer for River‑Rafting Initiatives
The review also covered projects aimed at expanding river‑rafting facilities. Bardhan instructed UPDCC to assemble a dedicated five‑year team tasked with operating and maintaining these attractions.
Separate operational units will be established for the Haridwar and Rishikesh corridors, ensuring localized, smooth management of the rafting infrastructure.
Priority Works Aligned with Kumbh Mela 2027
With the Kumbh Mela scheduled for 2027, the Chief Secretary stressed that all priority constructions must meet their deadlines. For the Sati Kund works, he ordered an increase in labour strength and shift rotations so the project can be completed by 15 December, while warning that speed must not compromise quality.
In Haridwar, the general manager of the executing agency has been asked to reside in the city and carry out daily site inspections. A detailed progress dossier must be submitted regularly to the District Magistrate and the Divisional Commissioner.
Clear Protocols for New Parking Facilities
Before launching any new surface, underground, or mechanised parking scheme in Haridwar, officials must obtain a written No‑Objection Certificate from both the District Magistrate and the Mela Officer.
Integration with parallel departmental plans is mandatory, and the parking solution should reflect local demand—choosing the most practical configuration among surface, underground, or automated options.
Financial & Audit Committee to Safeguard Project Funds
Bardhan also mandated the formation of a Financial and Audit Committee to tighten fiscal oversight of UIIDB undertakings. The committee will champion financial discipline, transparency, and timely disbursement across the board.
Present at the meeting were Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Nitesh Kumar Jha, Ravinath Raman, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, C. Ravishankar, Dr. Ranveer Singh Chauhan, Special Secretary Parag Madhukar Dhakate, together with senior officials from the relevant departments and UIIDB.
