Puri: After receiving flak from the Central government for patchy progress of projects under Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), the district administration has initiated measures to expedite the works.
Sources said collector Aravind Agarwal recently reviewed the projects being implemented under the Central scheme in the city. Several government officials, officers of a few consultancy firms and private contractors, associated with the HRIDAY projects, attended the meeting. It is learnt that Agarwal will review the project works on weekly basis. “Private contractors have been directed to expedite project works. They have been advised to engage additional man power to complete the work at the earliest,” said an officer.
The district administration has taken up a project under the Central scheme for proper disposal of sewage in Atharnala area of the city. Residents of the locality usually release sewage to the Musa river. “The administration had planned to spend `3.47 crore for disposal of sewage in the locality. However, protests from a few people over land acquisition have emerged as a stumbling block in the project implementation. The administration will hold discussions with the land owners to sort out the issues,” said the official.
Sources said the administration has asked a private contractor to complete the construction of a recreational park in Banki mouth area by January. The administration has threatened to take action against the contractor in case of any delay in the project.
“Steps have been taken for the renovation of Bada Odia mutt, Gangamata mutt and 11 traditional gymnasiums (Jaga Ghara) in the city. Besides, we have recently completed the tender process for the beautification of Atharnala bridge and Benta pond at Jagannath Ballav mutt,” claimed the official.
Notably, the Centre has sanctioned `22.54 crore to the Pilgrim City for implementation of HRIDAY projects. A senior official of the Central government had written to the state Chief Secretary October 24 and expressed displeasure over slow progress of projects under the HRIDAY scheme.
PNN
