The Times of India      22.11.2013

Rs 4.8 crore planned for garden beautification

AURANGABAD: The standing committee of the cash-strapped Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in its meeting on Friday is all set to finalise an agency for carrying out beautification work of a garden and installation of at least 18 statues of great personalities in it at an estimated cost of Rs 4.8 crore. The project — Sant Shrushti Park — has been on the cards for the past one-and-a-half years.

Executive engineer Sikander Ali said the project was already approved by the general body on February 18, 2012, and accordingly funds worth Rs 5 crore had been earmarked in the budget of 2012-13. "Moreover, the project will be completed in different phases and the entire fund would not be required in one go. It may take 2-3 years for the completion of the project and funds will be released as and when required," he said.

Under the project, the civic body will construct a periphery wall, undertake landscaping work and install statues on 1.3 lakh square feet area owned by it. Justifying the project, Ali said all projects of public utility were essential. "It's true that improvement of city roads is one of the biggest concerns of the civic body. However, we cannot ignore other projects like this," he said.

Meanwhile, social activist Shrikant Umrikar criticised the municipal corporation's plan to install the statues at a time when the AMC is struggling to carry out even minor repair works and provide basic civic amenities. "Roads are in pathetic condition, drainage system is in bad shape and there is no financial help from the state or central governments. In such a situation, the AMC should not pour money on parks or gardens. There are other works on which the civic body should concentrate. It is high time for the civic body to set its priority," he said.

Umrikar also accused the civic body of not maintaining facilities developed by it. "The AMC spends money at the time of implementing the projects, but when it comes to providing money for regular maintenance, it takes a back seat. Many parks, auditoriums and libraries are examples of poor maintenance," he added.