After investing Rs 45 lakh on a Janakpuri storm sewer project and later shelving it, the Municipal Corporation now plans a Rs 1.75-crore project to solve the waterlogging problem of Janakpuri. The project details have been sent to the Finance and Contract Committee (FCC) for a formal approval.

The Rs 95-lakh storm sewer project was cancelled by civic authorities only after they had spent Rs 45 lakh on it. The project was shelved when the P Ram Committee raised objections on learning that the project would cause sewerlines to channelise excess water in Buddha Nallah. The project was launched in 2006 by the then area MLA Surinder Dawar, but the sewerage board was later told to change the project design. When they have failed to do so, the civic body bagan contemplating another project worth Rs 1.75 crore.

Senior deputy mayor Parveen Bansal said: “We have started work on de-silting the lines and once the FCC approves the project, work will start in full swing.” The authorities, meanwhile, allege that residents have been uncooperative towards the project. “Because of the non-cooperation of residents, the project had to be shelved.” Admitting that Rs 45 lakh invested in the now-shelved project had gone waste, Bansal blamed the Congress government saying the project had started during their tenure.

Politicians choking the project?

The presence of several politicians seems to have choked the progress of the projects. Deputy Speaker Satpal Gosain is the current MLA while former MLA Surinder Dawar is also active in the area. BJP MLA Harish Bedi, whose constituency is Ludhiana North, also lives in Janakpuri. Senior deputy mayor Parveen Bansal also has his residence here.