Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday reviewed the progress of the second phase of the HP SHIVA Project and directed officials to complete the identification of the remaining 586 hectares of land by June 10.
During a review meeting, the minister was briefed on the area and cluster selection process under the project. Officials informed that around 3,083 hectares had already been finalised under Phase-I, where work is progressing according to schedule.
For Phase-II, nearly 3,000 hectares have been proposed across seven districts of the state. Of this, 2,414 hectares have already been identified, while around 586 hectares are yet to be finalised.
The district-wise identified area includes 365 hectares in Kangra, 297 hectares in Bilaspur, 532 hectares in Hamirpur, 655 hectares in Mandi, 187 hectares in Sirmaur, 132 hectares in Solan and 244 hectares in Una.
Negi instructed officials to speed up the process and ensure the remaining land is identified within the stipulated timeframe.
The minister also reviewed ongoing works in Hamirpur and Kangra districts. In Hamirpur, project activities are being carried out over approximately 510 hectares across 67 clusters, while in Kangra, work is underway on about 781 hectares spread across 81 clusters.
Reviewing civil works and project implementation, Negi emphasized the need to maintain quality standards and directed implementing agencies and contractors to complete all assigned tasks within the prescribed deadlines. He made it clear that no extensions would be granted for delayed works.
The minister stressed that accountability would be fixed for any delays in project execution and directed the Horticulture Department to carry out daily monitoring and strict supervision of ongoing activities.
He also warned that contractors failing to meet contractual obligations would face financial penalties and other action as per agreement terms. The Jal Shakti Department and the Electricity Board were instructed to ensure timely water and electricity connections at project sites to avoid delays.
Expressing concern over slow progress and quality-related issues, Negi said contractors showing unsatisfactory performance by June 15 would face blacklisting and termination of contracts. He added that supervisory officials would also be held responsible wherever deficiencies in work quality are detected.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
