Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi has directed strict action against contractors failing to show satisfactory progress under the HP Shiva Project, warning that agencies lagging behind by June 30 will be blacklisted and their contracts terminated.
Chairing a review meeting on the project’s implementation in Mandi and Una districts, the Minister assessed work being carried out across 98 clusters covering about 1,085 hectares in Mandi and 12 clusters spanning 224 hectares in Una. Discussions focused on the pace of civil works, quality standards, project challenges and adherence to timelines.
Negi made it clear that no extension of deadlines would be granted and accountability would be fixed at every level for delays. He instructed the Horticulture Department to closely monitor project activities on a daily basis and take action against negligent contractors as per contractual provisions.
Expressing concern over slow progress in some areas, the Minister directed all stakeholders to achieve substantial advancement before the next review meeting. He also said subject experts and management professionals would be responsible for plant health management and providing technical support to farmers.
The Minister further asked the Jal Shakti Department and the State Electricity Board to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply at project sites. He directed that completed lift irrigation schemes be operated for a month before handover to verify their functionality.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the HP Shiva Project, Negi stressed that all departments, contractors and consulting agencies must work in coordination to meet project targets within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining high-quality standards.
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