The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) seems to be struggling hard to complete the restoration work of major water reservoirs listed with it before the onset of summer despite rounds of warnings. From blacklisting the firms handling the project for the delay to constantly reviewing ponds restoration status, nothing could give pace to this work.
During a recent meeting with the officials of Municipal Corporation, Minister Urban Development and Housing, CP Singh had issued instruction to ensure the restoration task of ponds to be covered in first phase on or before March 31 at any cost.
Notably, in the first phase over 12 water bodies are supposed to be covered under the project here. The ponds restoration work began in 2016 and was expected to get complete in one year but due to the laidback approach and internal tussle among officials, the project was shelved for a while.
When inquired about the present status of ponds restoration work, Mayor Asha lakra said, “Attempts are being made to complete the project on time. I have asked for the details from the officials handling the project. As of now, two water reservoirs, Tetar Toli and Banas Talaab restoration tasks have been complete. Over 4 to 5 ponds will take another few months to get complete. However, this year, the deadline would not be shifted.”
Echoing similar views, RMC Officer (PR), Naresh Sinha, said, “Minor civil work at Hatma, Divyaan, Jora Talab, Dumsha Toli, Bahu Bazaar is left which will be completed in a while. Madhukam pond work is complete. Also, the Minister during the recent meeting had instructed to complete to restoration work of two major ponds primarily.” However, Sinha failed to cite the recent course of development at these major reservoirs.
The beautification project rolled out at an enormous cost of Rs 3.35 cr to revamp and de-silt the water bodies includes beautification of area around the ponds. The restoration task under civil construction primarily involves constructing staircases, making boundary walls around the ponds, developing pathways and jogger tracks, planting saplings including mounting up lights and fountains.
The civil construction work requires sufficient time and comes to halt during the monsoon season. After witnessing immense failure in ensuring rain water harvesting set-up at households, commercial buildings, government office etc covering large carpet area, the civic body is yet to realize the brunt of severe water crisis problem that is often faced by the city residents during summer. Extension of the deadlines for completing the ponds beautification task creates trouble for city residents as de-silting in the peak season adversely affects ground water level.