Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma chaired a meeting in Rajouri on August 20 to review the status and progress of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) roads in Darhal, subdivision Thanamandi. The session brought together the Additional Deputy Commissioner Malikzada Sheraz Ul Haq, Chief Planning Officer Maqsood Ahmed, Sub Divisional Magistrate Abid Hussain Shah and other senior officers responsible for project execution. The presence of the District Forest Officer Mohd Naveed and senior engineers from the PMGSY wing underscored the focus on resolving interdepartmental issues.

The officials reviewed the status of eight PMGSY roads in Darhal in detail and recorded that work on six roads is presently in progress while two roads are awaiting requisite forest clearance. Technical updates from the Executive Engineer PMGSY Shahid Mustafa and the Assistant Executive Engineer Ahtjaz Shafeeq Choudhary outlined site challenges, resource mobilisation and the current pace of work on ongoing stretches. Attendees noted areas where alignment, land access and material supply had affected progress.

The Deputy Commissioner directed concerned officers to ensure close coordination among departments and to resolve issues affecting execution without delay. He instructed the District Forest Officer to fast-track the forest clearance process for the two pending roads so that work could commence at the earliest opportunity. Executing agencies were urged to expedite the pace of work on all ongoing projects while maintaining prescribed quality standards and contractual obligations.

He also emphasised the need for regular monitoring, prompt removal of bottlenecks and enhanced communication between field teams and district administration to secure improved road connectivity for local communities. Officers were asked to report progress at defined intervals and to adopt measures that would reduce delays while adhering to environmental safeguards. The meeting concluded with a commitment to intensify efforts to deliver the schemes on schedule.