JAMMU, Jan 17: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a joint meeting today with representatives from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Awantipora, along with officials from Health & Medical Education, Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti, and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The objective was to expedite the completion of this essential health facility in the region.
Participants in the meeting included the Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, the Secretaries of PWD and H&ME, the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama, the Chief Engineer of CPWD, and the Director General of Budget, among others.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the current status of the physical infrastructure at the site and discussed timelines for its completion. He inquired about the availability of laborers for the project and emphasized the need to increase their numbers immediately after winter.
Additionally, he evaluated the water supply scheme and the access road to the institute, instructing the Jal Shakti Department to complete the first phase of the water supply system—including three bore wells and related works—by May, ensuring sufficient water supply for the hospital’s operational readiness.
Dulloo also considered the need for additional land and other resources for the future expansion of the project. He checked for any pending matters requiring administrative assistance and pledged to provide support to the Executive Director.
Dr. Sachidananda Mohanty, Executive Director of AIIMS Awantipora, presented an overview of the facility’s readiness and projected completion dates for each block. He reported that approximately 61% progress has been made on the construction of all 57 blocks, with the facility expected to become operational by the end of November this year.
The meeting included updates on the labor force working on each block. It was noted that due to adverse weather conditions, the workforce had decreased from around 2400-2500 to about 850 skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled laborers currently engaged in internal tasks.
Progress is ongoing across all six hospital blocks, four academic blocks, 16 residential blocks, 12 hostel blocks, as well as the Ayush block, night shelter, and guest house, which are integral to this nationally recognized medical college and hospital.
