Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday emphasized the need for the Public Works Department (PWD) to adopt modern technologies to address future challenges, particularly those arising from climate change and disaster reconstruction.
Addressing Climate Change Impacts
Speaking at the North Zone Inter-State Interactive Session on 'Quality Assurance in Public Works Departments' in Shimla, Sukhu noted that the increasing impact of climate change would make rebuilding disaster-damaged infrastructure a major challenge in the coming years. The session was attended by senior officers and engineers from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Himachal has experienced several natural disasters over the past three years, and the PWD has performed commendably. He pointed out that currently, about four percent of the GDP is spent on disaster reconstruction, a figure that could rise to 14 percent by 2050. Therefore, embracing modern technologies and expanding PWD capabilities is imperative.
Reforms and Advanced Infrastructure
Sukhu stated that the state government has initiated wide-ranging reforms in the PWD to equip it to effectively meet future challenges while ensuring sustainable development. He stressed that although roads remain the lifeline in the hill state, the PWD must move towards advanced infrastructure development, including tunnel construction and high-rise buildings, while adopting new technologies and work practices.
The Chief Minister suggested that the department could play a greater role in areas such as dam construction, and the government might consider broadening the department's mandate in the future. He also released a book titled 'Quality Control for Road Works' during the occasion.
Capacity Building and Sustainable Development
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasized that capacity building and the adoption of modern technologies are the need of the hour. He said that such interactive sessions provide engineers with valuable exposure to innovative technologies and best practices. Referring to the challenges posed by global warming, he stressed the need for developing new approaches and innovative solutions across northern India. He added that sustainable development has become an essential priority in the present times.
Singh noted that Himachal has a road network of approximately 45,000 kilometers, and most Panchayats in the state are now connected by roads. Maintaining and preserving this vast infrastructure sustainably remains a major challenge. To address this, the state government has formulated a new drainage policy aimed at improving the maintenance and longevity of roads.
He also mentioned that the prevailing situation in the Middle East has led to an increase in the cost of construction materials, placing additional pressure on development projects. Addressing these emerging challenges remains a key priority.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, MLA Vivek Sharma, Special Secretary GAD Harbans Singh Brascon, Engineer-in-Chief PWD S.P. Jagota, along with other senior engineers and officials from various northern states, attended the meeting.
