DDC Pulwama visits AIIMS Awantipora.

PULWAMA, OCTOBER 23(PTK): District Development Commissioner (DDC) Pulwama, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, today visited AIIMS Awantipora and took an on-site assessment of the ongoing construction, healthcare facilities, allied infrastructure and preparedness for commencement of services.On arrival, the DDC was briefed through the site map by Administrative Officer AIIMS, XEN CPWD, XEN AIIMS awantipora, about the overall layout of the AIIMS campus, including the location and purpose of various blocks and facilities. He was apprised of the planned OPD, IPD, Emergency and Trauma Centre, besides the progress of construction and handover of different buildings.The DDC was informed that AIIMS Awantipora is a 750-bedded tertiary-care hospital . The project comprises 57 buildings, with 12 buildings which include two hostel buildings, four ESS buildings, a police station and other allied facilities. The four buildings under Phase-II are targeted for completion by the end of November 2026, while major works under Phase-III, including Blocks 3 and 5, are targeted for completion by June 2027. Final finishing and commissioning works are to follow, with the objective of having all departments and facilities ready by next year.The DDC stressed that the OPD should become functional before the onset of snowfall and that departments ready for operations should be opened in a phased manner rather than waiting for completion of the entire campus. He also emphasised that laboratory and diagnostic services should be made functional alongside the OPD, so that patients have access to essential testing services from the beginning.It was informed that water supply and power connectivity are available and that there is no major utility-related impediment to commencing OPD services. Heating arrangements and other essential facilities were also inspected.Stressing that the primary objective of AIIMS is to provide quality healthcare to the people, he called for efficient utilisation of available infrastructure and resources to commence services at the earliest.The concerned authorities informed that the lifts are at the final stage of completion, with safety checks, NOCs, installation certificates and other mandatory formalities being processed and expected to be completed by the end of October 2026.Sanitation arrangements across the campus were also inspected. Waste from the hostel and other facilities being collected at a designated area in Block-5, while an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) is being developed.The need for proper segregation, collection and scientific disposal of medical waste was emphasised. The disposal mechanism was directed to be finalised in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer, Pulwama.The concerned agencies were directed to strengthen rainwater harvesting and drainage arrangements, increase the capacity of retention and collection tanks and ensure that drainage channels remain free from clogging, so as to minimise the risk of flooding in the surrounding area. Water harvesting shall ensure recharge of ground water.The proposed Water Supply Scheme (WSS) for AIIMS Awantipora was also visited. The concerned authorities informed that the pump shed and filtration plant are approximately 95 per cent complete, with the remaining works targeted for completion and the system for full operationalisation by the year end.Emphasising coordinated execution, the DDC directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination, resolve pending issues promptly and adhere to the prescribed timelines to facilitate the phased operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora, beginning with the OPD and essential supporting services.