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Rs 592.41 cr allocated to Bihar for urban development projects

Thursday, 26 August 2010 11:12 administrator
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Hindustan Times  26.08.2010

Rs 592.41 cr allocated to Bihar for urban development projects
 
The Central government has allocated Rs 592.41 crore for urban development projects in Bihar, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. Eight projects totalling Rs 394.8 crore have been sanctioned under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Minister of State for Urban Development
Saugata Roy said during Question Hour. "Rs 198 crore (of sanctioned amount) is still available for which Bihar government can submit (further) projects)," he said.

He said during 2006-07, Rs 299.06 crore was released to Bihar under Integrated Development of Small and Medium Towns scheme of which Rs 256.07 crore was spent.

Subsequently, Rs 254 crore was allocated, of which Rs 209 crore was committed to various projects. Projects for Rs 45 crore have not come from the state government, he said.

Last Updated on Thursday, 26 August 2010 11:17
 

'Heritage panel members can't discuss own projects'

Wednesday, 25 August 2010 10:33 administrator
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The Times of India  25.08.2010

'Heritage panel members can't discuss own projects'

MUMBAI: It turns out that structural engineer Sailesh Mahimtura, who cleared his own proposals worth crores of rupees as a member of the highrise committee, did the same as a member of the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC). When he vociferously backed one of two plans for the beautification of the Gateway of India, he did not disclose that he was the structural engineer for that bid. His colleagues found out when the giant board bearing his name went up at the site.

Now, his arrest in the highrise case is having a ripple effect on the workings of the BMC's heritage committee. A new circular issued by the state urban development ministry makes it mandatory for heritage committee members to leave the room if their proposals are being discussed.

Until now, members of the MHCC were at liberty to participate in any debate and vote to clear their own proposals. In fact, when this correspondent pointed this out to former municipal commissioner Jairaj Phatak, he had retorted that the same could be said of ministers who own educational institutes or medical colleges.

However, observers say this points to a conflict of interest and violates the basic principles of justice. "How can an interested party retain its objectivity during a debate? Judges also refuse to sit on cases in which they have a stake, so this principle should apply across the board,'' says activist Nayana Kathpalia.

Recalling the case of Mahimtura, a former member says he has been a government appointee to the heritage committee for over two or three terms. "At that time, we received a beautification proposal for the Gateway from architect Charles Correa backed by the UDRI and the Colaba Tourist Welfare Association. Mahimtura, meanwhile, advocated the rival bid of P K Das who was working with Intach. Finally, Intach won the contract, and it was only when a board went up mentioning the names of the consultants that we saw he was the structural engineer for the project.'' The Colaba association had complained to MHCC but was met with silence.

Even now, despite the UD circular making it clear that no member having a stake in any project should be present at the meeting, sources say that the rule is being selectively applied to conservation architects. "Structural engineers are still free from liability,'' says an observer.

However, MHCC chairman Dinesh Afzulpurkar claims that for two years, he has been asking all parties to declare their interest and refrain from participating in a discussion involving themselves. "The rule always existed though the circular may have served as a reminder,'' he says.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 10:35
 

Fort Kochi Veli’s development dreams

Wednesday, 25 August 2010 07:47 administrator
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The New Indian Express  25.08.2010

Fort Kochi Veli’s development dreams

KOCHI: Division No. 27 - Fort Kochi Veli

Councillor - K J Sohan (JDS)

No. of voters -  Around 5,000

Fort Kochi Veli is represented by K J Sohan, former mayor and development standing committee chairman of the Kochi Corporation, who is also a prominent social figure.

The development activities carried out here are on a different footing. Says Sohan, “All the development activities in the division are carried out with a long-term vision. A majority of these projects are designed in such a way to meet the long time needs of the area.”

Land acquisition is a big hurdle in infrastructure development, he points out. “The 23-feet Manthara canal side road is one such project. As more land needs to be acquired, the project is progressing slowly. Some other roads in various parts of the division like the Beach Road and Kombara Muttu are also being developed. Roads like the East Odatha Road and the road from Central Odatha to Jubilee Junction have been widened, levelled and tarred.”

The councillor says that waste management in the division is being carried out effectively since a long time. And now that the division has been selected along with Fort Kochi for the implementation of ‘Zero waste Fort Kochi - Tourism Destination project’, the place will go for more beautification.  According to Sohan, the development activities carried out with the division fund have been accomplished effectively. “Drains have been cleaned, maintained and covered with slabs, pocket roads have been maintained and concreted and street lights have been put across the division. Some drains have been repaired to avoid waterlogging.”  Around ` 20 lakh from the People’s Planning fund has been utilised to renovate the ‘dhobikhaana.’ Sohan says that some other grand plans for the division are in the offing. ` 35 lakh from the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP) fund will be utilised for infrastructure development at East Odatha, Manthara and Tharayil Parambu area. Anganwadis, lanes and drains have been  improved.

The eight-acre Veli ground is all set to be developed. The turfing and fencing work will be  done soon. “The estimate for this is ready and money has been allocated from the general fund,” he says.

Tenders for the work of the footpath of K J Herschel road will be invited soon. The 23-feet Manthara canal side road is a project that stopped halfway because of the delay in land acquisition. The recreation centre at St John Pattom is another project for which ` 14 lakh from the People’s Planning fund has been allocated.  While residents staying near the Manthara canal are concerned about waterlogging, those near East Odatha are worried about potable water shortage. Yet another problem faced by the residents is the lack of transportation facilities to some interior areas. This is a division where Janata Dal (S) has been winning in the last few polls. Fort Kochi Veli has been retained in the general category this year.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 07:49
 
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