Sabarmati Cleaning project unlikely to end by 2004
Urban development minister I. K. Jadeja’s claim to complete the Sabarmati River Cleaning Project by 2004 is unlikely to be fulfilled in the present circumstances as phase I of the project has already been delayed by four months. Moreover, last part of the project - phase II - is yet to be approved by the National River Conservation Department.

In a press statement issued on Monday the minister had claimed that the entire project would be completed by 2004. Under the phase I of the project, sewage plants were to be build at Pirana and Vasans and drain pipes were to be laid in the city. Officials involved with the project said that after the communal riots of 2002 and protests from residents belonging to some areas, the pipeline-laying route had to be changed thus delaying the project. "The project was to be completed by December 2003. But it is likely to end in April 2004 now," the officials added.

With 36 sewage lines directly releasing their content in the river and the launch of ambitious Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project, sources in AMC said that keeping the river clean will be a difficult task for the corporation. Though AMC officials admit that the phase II will start only after completion of first phase which could further delay the project. "However, efforts will be made to complete the river cleaning project and Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project simultaneously," they said.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Mr Jadeja and AMC municipal commissioner R.K. Tripathi have flown to New Delhi to seek approval for the phase II of river cleaning project from the Central ministry of environment. The status of phase II of the project, estimated to cost about Rs 313 crores, is likely to be known after their return from the trip. In-charge of Sabarmati cleaning project B.R. Sheth said he cannot comment on the issue as the municipal commissioner was in New Delhi and nothing has been conveyed to him so far by AMC officials.

Republished from The Asian Age