DW BUREAU / PATIALA Chander Gaind, Commissioner, Patiala Division, took stock of the ongoing development works in Patiala district, progress of development schemes, preparations for the third wave of Covid and projects under National Highways Authority of India and Railways, during a meeting, held with the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioners and SDMs. Gaind directed the district authorities to ensure timely completion of all the development projects started in the district and also to extend the benefits of the public welfare schemes of the government to the lower level. Chander Gaind expressed satisfaction over the progress of all the ongoing projects including the development schemes started with special funds released by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and MP Preneet Kaur for the development of the district. He also directed all the SDMs to be alert about the possible danger of floods in view of the rainy season. Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit apprised the Commissioner about the preparations to deal with the third wave of Covid besides progress of development works including Katra Expressway under National Highways, canal based water supply at Patiala, new bus stand, setting up of a museum at Mohindra Kothi, Heritage Street, beautification of Chhoti Nadi and Baddi Nadi, infrastructural development of Rajindra Hospital, and construction of Sports University. Kumar Amit said that the first phase of Rs. 550 crore project of providing canal based 24x7 water supply to Patiala city would be completed by February 2022. The first phase of the new bus stand, coming up on Rajpura road in 8 acres of land, will be completed by November this year. Similarly, 60 percent of dairies from the city will be shifted to new complex by September. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), Dr Preeti Yadav presented the report on goals having been met under 14th and 15th Finance Commission on Rural Development, MGNREGA, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Self Help Groups, Jal Jeevan Mission, progress of canal water based projects; Mandoli and Pabra and other development schemes. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development), Gautam Jain presented a detailed report on the completion of the first phase of the Punjab Urban Development Projects and the work in progress under the second phase. (editor@dailyworld.in)