Suresh Bhardwaj asks officials to coordinate for time bound completion of projects, seeks progress report fortnightly

Shimla : Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj directed Forest, Smart city Shimla officials to resolve forest related issues to ensure the time bound completion of developmental projects in Shimla.The minister said some developmental projects are awaiting the forest nod in the town. Some cases of them could be resolved at the local level. “I have directed officials to coordinate on each case. Some of them could be resolved by the local forest office. Officials have been asked to liaison with newly established office for forest clearance,” he said.Forest department’s approval is required for 6 works and tree cutting permission is awaited for 10 projects.“Our aim is to develop and modernize Shimla city.

The development should not be stalled due to incoordination or want of some clarification. All the stake holding departments should ensure that each case should followed up properly to ensure the timely completion,” he added.He has directed the departments to take up the matters with the concerned department from time to time. Officials have been asked to submit the progress report fortnightly to the minister.The repair of the ridge, escalator from Lakkar Bazar to the ridge, smart path from Sanjauli to IGMC is essential for the city. Manmohan Sharma, Director Urban Development, Nitin Garg, General Manager (Technical) of Smart City Shimla, officers of Forest Department, Municipal Corporation and officials of other departments were present in the meeting.