The Times of India              03.09.2013

Jnnurm funds sought for drains

NAVI MUMBAI: With better options available to the NMMC for funding 50 per centof the Rs 436-odd crore integrated nullah development project from the centre under the JNNURM funding, the civic body has now pushed through

the proposal and dropped its year-long negotiations with MMRDA for obtaining the soft loan. NMMC is miffed at first being denied a grant and then having to pay more interest rates.

Faced with parking problems, the project aims at augmenting the city's land availability by covering the nullahs and using them for multi-purpose projects.

The central body has now asked the civic authorities to provide details as also real time data that implied the micro details of the rainfall recorded in its jurisdiction. The nullahs are the storm water drains and provide a golden opportunity to NMMC to claim additional space along certain stretches.

Civic commissioner, Abasaheb Jarhad affirmed, "We have sought the central funding only for the nullah project that also includes cleaning the holding ponds.''

With a land crunch in the township, the civic body last fiscal allocated funds for covering the stretch adjacent to MTNL building in Vashi for parking and also for another 1.2-1.3 km stretch behind Vashi depot to the holding pond near the mini- seashore for the proposed cycle track.

Presently, some 60 per cent of the work on the 900m stretch from the depot to the road crossing till Noor Masjid has got over while the work order for the 400m stretch from the Masjid till holding pond has been issued, said local NCP corporator, Vaibhav Gaikwad.