From river to drain and now once again on way to become a river, Harmu River —Ranchi’s lifeline — is all set to experience the retransformation in the next 30 months and restore its glory when the river enchanted people with sounds of water flowing down stream.
As the transformation work began with the foundation laying, Chief Minister Raghubar Das emphasised on meeting the deadline and not breaching the time limit for the work. Das suggested change in the work culture in Government departments and honouring people for beating the deadline.
“Corruption-free governance, transparency, accountability and completing work on time are the priorities of this Government. We will not compromise with these. And, those officials, agencies who will complete time before the deadline will be honoured by the Government,” said Das.
On the occasion, Das requested people living along the banks of the river to cooperate in the project and not obstruct topographic changes that will be needed in transforming the river. He assured that people who are to be displaced during the project will be rehabilitated.
Notably, the renovation work will be carried out by Mumbai-based Eagle Infra India ltd and time of completion has been fixed at 30 months. The infrastructure company has been given the right to operate and maintain the facility that will be created along the banks of the river for five years. The estimated cost of the project is Rs77.68 crore.
Urban Development Minister CP Singh cautioned about delaying the project, ruled out cost escalation and stressed upon quality as well as quantity of the work that has to be done under the proposed Budget.
Singh, who is Ranchi MlA, solicited people’s support in the monitoring process and also sought pledge from people that the renovated lifeline of Ranchi will not be spoiled.
“Officials of the company as well as of the department must understand that there should be no lapses in the work. The CM has said that those completing work early will be rewarded. But sometimes it happens that project is delayed and cost overrun happens. This time cost will not go beyond Rs85 crore, no separate estimate will be needed and work has to be done within the fund and there should be no compromise with the quality,” said Singh.
The proposed beautification of Harmu River includes underground sewerage system on both sides of the bank, eight sewerage treatment plant, litter bins along the banks of river for collection of solid waste, 31 toilet blocks at suitable locations, plantation of indigenous species of flowering trees and coconut trees, 2.5-metre wide footpath on both banks, six inlets to prevent entry of solid waste and silt into the river.
The proposed work is likely to increase water carrying capacity of the river stretch and provide better recreational place to the residents of Ranchi.
Meanwhile, the ‘Harmu Nadi Bachao Abhiyan Samiti’ which was formed by Secretary of Vikas Bharti, Ashok Bhagat expressed happiness at the State Government’s decision to restore the glory of the river. The samiti has been very vocal about rejuvenation of Harmu River and raised the significance of the river through a number of awareness programme conducted at different points of time.