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) projects. He warned that every initiative must stick to its approved timetable and that progress reviews need to be systematic and unforgiving.
Sharda Riverfront Corridor Assigned a Full‑Time Manager
The Chief Secretary expressed disappointment over the sluggish advancement of the Sharda Riverfront Corridor, noting that the implementing agency, UPDCC, had completed only about 10 % of the work after ten months. To speed up execution, Bardhan ordered the deployment of a dedicated on‑site project manager responsible for real‑time monitoring and rapid issue resolution.
He also mandated the preparation of PERT charts for all UIIDB schemes, embedding clear milestones. Future meetings will benchmark progress against these charts, and any deviation will trigger root‑cause analysis and corrective measures.
New Oversight for River‑Rafting Initiatives
Projects aimed at expanding river‑rafting facilities were also examined. Bardhan instructed UPDCC to create a specialised five‑year team tasked with operating and maintaining these attractions.
Separate operational units will be established for the Haridwar and Rishikesh corridors to ensure localized, smooth management of the rafting infrastructure.
Priority Works Targeted for 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 labor strength and additional shift rotations so the project can be wrapped up by 15 December, while cautioning that speed must not compromise quality.
In Haridwar, the general manager of the executing agency has been directed to reside in the city and conduct 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 commencing any new surface, underground, or automated 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 chosen parking solution should reflect local demand—selecting the most practical configuration among surface, underground, or mechanised systems.
Financial & Audit Committee to Safeguard Project Funds
Bardhan also directed 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, along with senior officials from the relevant departments and UIIDB.
