Uttarakhand: The Chief Secretary reviewed the work of the Bridge Commission and discussed important points with experts from various fields
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Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan reviewed the work of the Setu Commission late Thursday evening. The Chief Secretary held detailed discussions on important points with experts from various fields working at the Setu Commission. He said that the Setu Commission will function as the state government’s think tank for the development of Uttarakhand.
The Chief Secretary said that departments need to brainstorm their policies and programs with the commission. He said that the commission should conduct studies and suggest what changes are needed in which policies of which department, so that the maximum benefit can be derived from these policies.
The Chief Secretary said that cold water fisheries are our unique selling proposition (USP), and a study should be conducted on how we can connect it with the economy of the hilly regions. He also spoke about working towards improving the forest economy. He further emphasized the need for research and improvements in rain-fed agriculture in the hilly regions to transform it into assured agriculture.
The Chief Secretary said that we have a strong team of experts under the Setu Commission. This expertise should be utilized to enhance research capabilities for the betterment of the state.
Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Sridhar Babu Addanki, and Vice Chairman of the Setu Commission Rajshekhar Joshi, along with experts from various fields of the Setu Commission, were present on this occasion.
Niranjanpur market will be shifted; the Chief Secretary has given instructions to find a new location and has also issued directives regarding traffic congestion in Dehradun city
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan held a meeting with the concerned departments at the Secretariat regarding the Dehradun Mobility Plan. The Chief Secretary said that continuous new steps must be taken to reduce traffic congestion in Dehradun city. He also inquired about the progress of various projects, including the Adhat Bazaar and Indira Market.
The Chief Secretary instructed the MDDA (Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority) to find a new location for shifting the Niranjanpur Mandi (wholesale market). He also emphasized the need to start the reconstruction work of the Adhat Bazaar soon, stating that the government order should be issued by January 20th. He instructed the Public Works Department to issue the government order for the improvement of six junctions in the city by January 15th.
The Chief Secretary expressed concern over the underutilization of parking facilities in important congested areas of the city. He said that 100% utilization of the already constructed parking facilities should be ensured. He suggested that the on-road parking system implemented by the Municipal Corporation should be extended to other routes as well, to encourage people to park their vehicles in designated parking areas instead of on the roads.
The Chief Secretary instructed the Transport Department to register the SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) in December. He said that the first board meeting should be held in January. He instructed that the parking facility being constructed at Asharodi for impounded vehicles should be made operational soon.
The Chief Secretary also suggested conducting ground truthing of the new parking sites identified under the mobility plan prepared by UMTA (Urban Mobility Transport Authority). He said that if these sites are found suitable for parking, they should be developed. He also suggested conducting a feasibility study for underground parking at Parade Ground soon.
The Chief Secretary also emphasized the need to immediately remove the unauthorized and illegal networks of wires hanging from poles in the city. He said that wherever the underground electricity cable work has been completed in the city, the roads should be repaired immediately.
Principal Secretary R. K. Sudhanshu was also present on this occasion. Meenakshi Sundaram, Additional Secretary Ahmed Iqbal, Vineet Kumar, VC MDDA Banshidhar Tiwari, and SP Dehradun Ajay Singh, along with other senior officers from the concerned departments, were present.
