Gadkari directs DJB to speed up Yamuna Action Plan projects

Ravi S. Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 25

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari has directed Delhi Jal Board (DJB) authorities during a review meeting to expedite all project related to Yamuna Action Plan (YAP)-III.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, along with all the contractors, consultants and senior officials of the DJB and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

The NMCG has approved eight packages in YAP-III at an estimated cost of Rs 1,656 crore. These include four projects in Kondli and three in Rithala.

During the meeting, Gadkari expressed dissatisfaction on tardy progress of these projects. He asked for completion of necessary formalities like survey, tender process and land acquisition, before issuing contract and work order.

The Centre is ready to give all the support, but the DJB will have to speed up the process. Kejriwal and DJB officials informed that significant progress has been made in the past three months in awarding of projects. They assured the union minister to complete the projects before the schedule.

Construction of 318 MLD (70 MGD) STP at Coronation Pillar and Interception Sewer Project also came in for review. While work on STP at Coronation Pillar is expected to be completed by September 2019, most of the work in interception sewer project will be complete by the end of this year.

It was decided that dredged up material and silt may be used in roads by NHAI, and meeting with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh officials should be held regarding the nallas which pollute the Yamuna.