Shimla: Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi reviews the progress of the ADB funded HPSHIVA project being implemented in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra, Solan, Sirmour and Una districts.
The Minister noted that out of a total target of 3000 hectare for Phase-I of HPSHIVA, about 2612 hectare area has been developed out of which plantation has been completed in 1543 hectare area. Plantation of about 1000 hectare will be done during this rainy season. Remaining area will be completed in Jan-Feb 2027 as most of these are winter season crops like plum and persimmon. Total 331 clusters have been finalized for 3000 hectare benefitting about 10646 farmer families.
He said the survey work for phase-2 of HPSHIVA is also under progress and about 2500 hectare area has been identified and survey is ongoing in 2153 hectare area. The DPRs have been prepared for about 1200 hectare and submitted to ADB for technical clearance. The tendering process will start from the last week of August after ADB’s clearance.
He also reviewed progress of civil works like solar fencing, field preparation, drip irrigation and Lift irrigation schemes. He said a penalty also has been imposed on two contractors for slow progress even after repeated follow-up. He directed the project officers to withhold all the bills of the contractors till the required manpower is not deployed at the cluster sites.
