Guwahati, 14 August (HS): Assam Irrigation Minister Ashok Singhal on Thursday chaired a detailed review meeting at his Dispur office with the Chief Engineer and top officials of the department. The discussions covered implementation of schemes, budget requirements, strategies to revive inactive projects, and measures to keep dam gates obstruction-free post-monsoon.

Special focus was laid on the safety and issues of Dong dams in Baksa, Tamulpur, and Udalguri districts, based on related memorandums. Singhal instructed coordination with the Forest Department and district administrations to restart projects stalled due to pending permissions. He also directed inspections of district projects, submission of reports, and formulation of SOPs for gate operations. Citing the successful operation of the Dhansiri project in Udalguri, he urged similar measures for other projects and called for reports on incomplete works. Secretary Adil Khan, Chief Engineer F.M. Siddiqui, and other senior officials were present.

In a separate meeting, Singhal, also the Health and Family Welfare Minister, reviewed key health indicators with departmental officials, including maternal and infant mortality rates, OPD–IPD services, the status of 20 tea garden hospitals, and preparations for the “Seva Saptah” beginning September 17. Expressing concern over rising maternal and infant mortality in two districts, he instructed medical colleges to conduct studies.

He reviewed the operational status of nine newly launched FRUs (First Referral Units) and called for the immediate commissioning of the remaining ten. Directives were issued to ensure adequate doctors and nurses in tea garden hospitals, and to organise mega health camps and blood donation drives at the district level. The meeting was attended by National Health Mission Assam MD Dr. Lakshmanan S, Health Director Kamaljit Talukdar, and other senior officials.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash