The lifeline of Ranchi — Harmu River that once craved for maintenance will get a fresh lease of life. The river once choked with filth is currently undergoing massive rejuvenation exercise. The beautification work of this age old river which involves a whopping cost of Rs 85.43 crore, covering approximately 10.4 km area is expected to get complete on or before October 31, 2018.
An official of agency of Eagle Infra India limited — the agency handling the project confirmed that all major restoration work of Harmu River has been accomplished as per Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Vikash Kumar Rawat, Senior Engineer of Eagle Infra India limited said, “Work of river section area that includes boulder pitching is pending and is expected to get over soon. As per the order of Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company limited (JUIDCO), the work of sandy section has been completed as well after a slight alteration. Soon, cleaning work of this river will be initiated by the company.”
According to the Senior Engineer, besides the construction of pathways, pavements, toilets, fencing work, installation of lights along the banks of Harmu River, identification of recreational sites including concreting river beds further exceeding the area to prevent surplus flow of the water has been done.
In addition, installation task of the sewage treatment plant meant to clean the water from Harmu River has been completed.
Meanwhile, plantation of saplings along the banks of the river as a part of the rejuvenation and beautification project is in full- swing as planned by Eagle Infra India limited, the Mumbai-based company.
Notably, the river beautification project primarily aims at cleaning garbage of the river accumulated over the course of years. Revamping river banks with rows of trees and creation of recreational site along the riverside is an integral part of the project.
“Massive plantation drive has begun along the bank after the onset of monsoon. Saplings of Gulmohar tree is being planted along with fancy flowers that have good soil retention capacity,” added Rawat.
Approximately for five years after the completion of civil construction task at the Harmu Riverside, the designing and consulting agency working under JUIDCO has been given the charge of operation and maintenance (O&M) of all civil structures constructed there.