The Hindu 02.12.2009
Centre satisfied with JNNURM implementation in Sikkim
| Urban Development Secretary lauds progress in civic works. |
Gangtok was selected under JNNURM in 2007 and a sum of Rs 23.92 crore had been allocated for creation of various urban civic amenities.
Sarikah Atreya
Gangtok, Dec. 1
The Urban Development Ministry has expressed satisfaction over the implementation of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in Gangtok, which entails developing proper sewerage and water distribution system.
“I am impressed with the works and progress achieved so far and the commitment shown towards cleanliness and sanitation in Gangtok,” said the Urban Development Ministry Secretary, Mr M. Ramachandran, to media here today.
Mr Ramachandran arrived in Gangtok on November 28 on a four-day trip to review and monitor the works done under JNNURM. He later called on the Chief Minister.
The Union Secretary explained that it is a part of his responsibility to visit States where JNNURM is being implemented. “This is my first visit to Gangtok to see the things happening here,” he said, adding that he had reviewed the progress of JNNURM project in Gangtok. He also wanted to understand the necessities and other aspects of the upcoming Asian Development Bank (ADB) assistance to Gangtok.
ADB assistance
ADB has agreed to assist the water supply distribution and sewerage system requirements for Sikkim for which a detailed project report is ready.
“I also wanted to understand the requirements of urban sanitation and transport facilities here,” said Mr Ramachandran reiterating that he was impressed by the commitment and zeal shown by the people here towards development.
Regarding his deliberations with the State authorities, Mr Ramachandran said that the State Government had put forward certain proposals for which support is required from the Union Ministry. “These points have been noted and we will look into them,” he said.
Civic bodies
Replying to a question, the Union Secretary expressed happiness over the move to make Gangtok a municipal corporation and other towns municipal bodies.
“Among the 23 reforms outlined for the States, including Sikkim, transferring the city responsibilities to elected local bodies is an important aspect and I am pleased to note that this is being done very soon here,” he said.
Governing the city by citizens through the third tier of governance is in line with the JNNURM concept, said Mr Ramachandran, adding that this would not put the State urban agencies out of the picture as the government is always there as a facilitator.
It may be recalled that Gangtok was selected under JNNURM in 2007 and a sum of Rs 23.92 crore had been allocated for creation of various urban civic amenities such as proper sewerage and water distribution system by March, 2010.
PHE officials said that 80 per cent of the works have been completed under its components of JNNURM like construction of sewerage systems at MG Marg, Tibet Road and areas along NH 31A from Hospital Dara to Adampul sewerage treatment plant.
The State Public Health Minister, Mr T.T. Bhutia, said that things are moving in the right direction with the support of the Centre towards the realisation of the Chief Minister's vision of a developed Sikkim.
“Efforts are on to have 24-hour water supply in all parts of Sikkim in the next five years,” said Mr Bhutia. He also mentioned the department's plan to have Tsomgo Lake as an alternative source of water supply for greater Gangtok.
