In what is seen as a precursor to Kolar municipality's merger in Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), Urban Administration and Development (UAD) Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has announced a special package of Rs 150 crore for the area.
The development comes close on the heels of first former Bhopal MP Kailsh Joshi and sitting MP Alok Sanjar voicing their support to merger move. MlA Rameshwar Sharma, who was vociferous in his opposition to such attempt, hailed the announcement of package for the area.
Asked if the development was merger, Vijayvargiya said, "No, it was not a merger. MlA Rameshwar Sharma raised issues of development of area and it was sanctioned in view of that. About the Cabinet nod to facilitate merger, he said it was taken in the past."
Talking to reporters after the merger, UAD Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said metro train would will be introduced in Kolar area and will be connected to rest of Bhopal. Besides, special package will also be given for conservation and beautification of Kaliasot river.
Besides, two parallel roads would be developed in the area in view of the increasing traffic pressure. Huzur MlA Rameshwar Sharma after the meeting said, "Water and sewage are basic problems in the area. Residents can expect better facilities."
Besides Sharma and Vijayvargiya, UAD principal secretary and commissioner were also present at the meeting. Kolar, the satellite town of Bhopal with a population of around Rs 1.5 lakh in 21 wards doesn't have any underground sewage line and filthy water flows outside several colonies, or it is simply diverted into Shahpura lake. After so many years of its existence, water is still being supplied through tankers or it is being sold.
A Rs 52 crore scheme planned to supply water from Kerwa dam since 2009 has been in deep freeze. Besides, Rs 48 crore plan to lay a sewage network was also planned last year but is yet to take off.