In a bid to monitor the rejuvenation and beautification project for Harmu River and ensure public participation in the initiative, Harmu Nadi Bachao Abhiyan Samiti formed a vigilance committee comprised locals residing near the river. The decision was taken during a meeting of the river protection committee chaired by Vikas Bharti Secretary Ashok Bhagat on Saturday.
“We congratulate the State Government for its efforts made in the direction of reviving the dying river and thank Jharkhand High Court for keeping a keen eye over the proceedings. But we are concerned over the transparency of the project. This meeting has been called to decide the level of vigilance that should be practised by the common people to ensure efficient execution of the plans in this regard,” Bhagat said.
The vigilance committee will also form civic committees in various neighbourhoods. A public commission comprising of people from localities around Harmu River has been formed to address problems of residents of these localities regarding the project.
Former Director of mines and geology department Dr. T.N. Mishra said, “The DPR formulated for this project does not ensure continuous flow of water in the river round the year. Neither does it cover the origin point of the river or encroachment over its catchment area. Bringing up the water table in nearby areas is also missing.”
It was decided that a memorandum listing the shortcomings of DPR will be submitted to the urban bodies.