Gilgit, [July 10] – The Gilgit-Baltistan Departmental Development Working Party (GB-DDWP) held its first meeting of the fiscal year on July 8-9, 2024, under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary Development Capt (r) Mushtaq Ahmed.
The meeting approved 133 development projects worth Rs. 9.3 billion, aiming to boost economic growth and improve the quality of life in Gilgit-Baltistan.
*Projects Approved*
The approved projects span across various sectors, including:
– Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Livestock (6 projects, Rs. 150 million)
– Water Management and Irrigation (11 projects, Rs. 251.602 million)
– Tourism, Sports, and Culture (6 projects, Rs. 160 million)
– Minerals, Industries, Commerce, and Labour (3 projects, Rs. 299.829 million)
– A&LE ( 2 projects, 138.585 million)
– LG&RD (13 Projects, 870.576 million)
– SDA (7 Projects, 317.933 million)
– Higher Education (7 projects, Rs. 550.008 million)
– School Education (14 projects, Rs. 1106.546 million)
– Power (10 projects, Rs. 8467.419 million)
– Social Welfare (1 projects, Rs. 15.00 million)
– Health Sector (14 projects, Rs. 950.883 million)
– Communication and Works (56 projects, Rs. 6881. 66 million)
– P&D ( 1 project, 383.588 million)
*Notable Projects*
Some notable projects approved include:
– Establishment of Crop Reporting Services and Agriculture Statistics (E-agriculture)
– Construction of Veterinary Dispensaries Hospital in Skardu Division
– Construction of playgrounds in GB
– Establishment of GB Board of Investment (GB-BOI)
– Automation of GB Police (Phase-II) (Modified)
– Construction of colleges and hostels for girls in GB
– Construction and upgradations of girls and boys schools in GB
– Construction/Uprating of 16 MW Hydro power projects all over GB
The forum emphasized the importance of proper project planning, implementation, and monitoring. It was decided that no project will be approved without a sitting board, except for road projects. Additionally, an inventory of equipment and HR in the health and education sectors will be conducted, and GPS coordinates of water channels constructed in the last three years will be submitted to P&DD.
The Chairman GB-DDWP, Capt (r) Mushtaq Ahmed, expressed his optimism that the approved projects will greatly benefit the general public and improve public service delivery. However, due to financial constraints, the cost of PC-I needs to be rationalized.
The meeting demonstrated the commitment of the Gilgit-Baltistan government to development and prosperity in the region.
