To complete ongoing developmental works on time now seems to be a major challenge before the executive agencies due to large scale devastation caused by the natural calamities in many parts of the hill State.
Take for example the Gola motor bridge on the local Gola river in Haldwani-the said bridge was collapsed due to flood in 2008, but it has not yet been repaired.
Keeping in view delay in making the said bridge functional even the present Government has given two or three deadlines during the past one year. Finally this bridge had to be completed by June 30.
later, following slow progress of repair works, July 30 was given deadline at least to open the bridge for pedestrians.
But due to continuous delay on part of the officials concerned coupled with rainy season, there is no sign as and when this bridge could be opened for the public now.
It is worth mention here that early opening of the Gola bridge is vital not only for managing vehicular traffic both interstate and regional vehicles, but also providing better transportation services to the local farmers to dispose off their agri- produce in the market.
The matter of fact is that due to delay in ensuring timely execution of many big or small developmental projects, even the funds allocated for these schemes have not been utilised. The Nainital district administration has so far received Rs 2097.82 lakh out of Rs 5265 lakh approved under the district plan.
But different executive agencies have so far been able to spend only 218.81 lakh out of 1997.77 released to them by the Nainital district administration out of 2097.82 lakh that it( (the Nainital district administration) has received from the Government under the district plan, as the officials concerned of the Nainital district administration informed.
That only show how the developmental works have taken a back seat in the hill state due to the natural calamities caused by heavy rainfall.
In the meanwhile, Arvind Singh Hyanki, District Magistrate, Nainital, has asked the officials concerned to utilise the fund on time.
All the departments which have so far not been able to clear even the financial backlog of the previous financial year, must clear it as early as possible, Hyanki directed the officials concerned.
Timely utilisation of funds is vital to strengthen the delivery system. The matter of fact is that on account of delay in clearing the projects on time due to non-utililsation of funds, people can’t be benefitted.