Centre worried over implementation of projects in PM's constituency Varanasi

NEW DELHI: The slow pace of projects in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi has the Centre worried.

Secretary (urban development) Rajiv Gauba would take up the implementation of projects in Varanasi with Uttar Pradesh chief secretary. Gauba reviewed the progress of urban development projects in Varanasi on Wednesday. After taking stock of different projects under Hriday, Amrut, Swachh Bharat Mission and incomplete JNNURM projects and those to be taken up with Japanese cooperation, Gauba decided to discuss their speedy implementation with Uttar Pradesh chief secretary this month.

The urban development ministry has identified the actions to be taken for finalization of tenders, award of works, identification of executing agencies, implementation timelines in respect of various sanctioned and under consideration projects.

Under HRIDAY scheme, where central government meets the whole expenditure, Varanasi has been allocated Rs 90 crore. So far, projects worth Rs42 cr were sanctioned. However, the city administration has not sent any more project proposals to the Centre.

According to sources, Gauba expressed concern over some major JNNURM projects still to be completed. The 240 million litre per day capacity Sewage Treatment Plant achieved physical progress of only 59%. Drinking water project progress is only 45%. Solid Waste Management project remained incomplete with the contractor exiting from the project.