SAD, Cong differ on giving work to Sewerage Board

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, July 13

Differences have emerged between the SAD and the Congress over giving projects allocated under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme to the Sewerage Board.

Mayor Balwant Rai Nath are of the view that the civic body should look after the project on its own, while Congress councillor Jagroop Singh Gill said according to the state government letter, sewerage operation and maintenance should be done by the Sewerage Board.

During the General House meeting held on Friday, a supplementary agenda was tabled for giving AMRUT scheme projects to the Sewerage Board. Debating on it, SAD-BJP councilours said in order to not repeat the experience of Triveni company, the MC should look after these projects.

Mentioning a government letter, Congress leader Jagroop Singh Gill said the MC did not have any right to carry out work on its own under the project. He said the MC has power regarding works related to the water supply and sewerage that cost up to Rs1 lakh and over Rs1 lakh, the work is carried out by the Sewerage Board and Water Supply Department.

This led to heated arguments between the SAD and Congress councillors at the General House meeting.

Recently, the Union Government gave its nod to a new sewerage and water supply project worth Rs48.52 crore under AMRUT scheme for the city.

Under the project, the MC will lay a new sewer line to resolve the waterlogging problem in the city. Besides, 3-km rising main (additional pipe laid to dispose of sewage) will be laid from the Power House road to the sullage carrier. Moreover, a 10.30-km rising main will be laid from Transport Nagar sewage treatment plant (STP) to the Chandbhan drain. With this, sewer of outer areas would be disposed of in the Chandbhan drain.

A total of 5,200 houses in 16 new areas will get the sewerage system. Gujarat-based Shah Consultancy has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) in this regard. The areas of the Power House road, Civil Lines and Ajit Road will get relief during rain.

Of the Rs48 crore, half of the amount will to be given by the Union Government. Besides, 30 per cent funds will be given by the state government and 20 per cent by the MC.

Councillors not on same page

Mayor Balwant Rai Nath is of the view that the civic body should look after the project on its own, while Congress councillor Jagroop Singh Gill said according to the state government letter, sewerage operation and maintenance should be done by the Sewerage Board. 

During the General House meeting held on Friday, a supplementary agenda was tabled for giving AMRUT scheme projects to the Sewerage Board. Debating on it, SAD-BJP councillor said in order to not repeat the experience of Triveni company, the MC should look after these projects.

Mentioning a government letter, Congress leader Jagroop Singh Gill said the MC did not have any right to carry out work on its own under the project. He said the MC has power regarding works related to the water supply and sewerage that cost up to Rs 1 lakh and over Rs 1 lakh, the work is carried out by the Sewerage Board and Water Supply Department.

Rs 48-cr project

• Recently, the Union Government gave its nod to a new sewerage and water supply project worth Rs 48.52 crore under AMRUT scheme for the city. 

• The MC will lay a new sewer line to resolve the waterlogging problem in the city. Besides, 3-km rising main (additional pipe laid to dispose of sewage) will be laid from the Power House road to the sullage carrier. Moreover, a 10.30-km rising main will be laid.