The Times of India 30.05.2013
Stop executing Ganga projects in an unplanned manner, says mayor
VARANASI: The mayor Ramgopal Mohale is not happy with the execution of the projects meant for Ganga, particularly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He has called a meeting of the representatives of JICA, UP Jal Nigam officials and Varanasi Municipal Corporation to discuss the matter.
"I am not satisfied with the way things are being worked out without a proper planning. The fund from JICA is a loan and not a grant for improving the situation, thus we have to utilise it judiciously," mayor Ramgopal Mohale told TOI. "I have called a meeting of JICA representatives and executing agencies regarding the issue. I have also asked the agencies to stop work being executed in an unplanned manner," added the mayor.
It is to be mentioned here that the Cabinet committee on Economic Affairs had approved the proposal- 'JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) assisted Ganga Action Plan (GAP) Phase-II project at Varanasi' under the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) programme at an estimated cost of Rs 496.90 crore. It was decided that the project cost would be shared in a ratio of 85:15 between the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, except for the component of consulting services, which will be borne entirely by the Government of India. The share of the Centre and the stet government in the project would be Rs 427.73 crore and Rs 69.17 crore, respectively.
It was envisaged that the project would have a direct beneficial impact in terms of reduction of pollution load in the Ganga and collateral benefits like irrigation by effluents from Sathwa Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), and employment opportunities particularly at the construction stage. The project would also benefit the local population by increasing the number of local and foreign tourists who visit Varanasi for its spiritual and cultural importance as the project would improve the aesthetics of the area. Biogas (methane) from the STP would be used to generate electricity which would not only be a non-conventional energy source but will also reduce green house gas emissions.
It was decided that the fund (Rs 496.90) from JICA would be utilised for sewage and non-sewage works. The government has taken a loan from the JICA for the project repayable over 40 years at 0.75% interest rate with an initial grace period of 10 years.
The JICA assisted works are time-bound and have to be completed by 2015. The project includes a sewage treatment plant of 140 million litres per day capacity, 34 km of sewer lines, rehabilitation of existing sewerage systems and construction of three new pumping stations. Besides, the other components of the project include building of community toilet complexes, renovation of selected ghats, development of dhobi ghats and building capacity for public participation and awareness.
The JICA assisted 140 MLD STP, which was earlier proposed at Sathwa village, has been now shifted to Dinapur due to strong protest of villagers. The fate of another proposed STP of 120 MLD at Sathwa under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) also has an uncertain fate as the villagers are not ready to give their land for the same.
