‘Previous govts to blame’

Krishan Pal Gurjar, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment and Faridabad MP, says Faridabad city has lagged behind in development because previous governments did not pay attention to it. Excerpts from an interview with Bijendra Ahlawat…

Why Faridabad city has failed to keep pace with Gurugram and Noida in development and what are the achievements of your government in the past four years?

Previous state governments ignored Faridabad city, resulting in stunted growth. However, the present state and Union governments have given special attention to the city and sanctioned several projects that are either about to complete or will be completed soon. The projects under implementation include Metro expansion, widening of National Highway No. 19, connectivity with Noida, establishment of a Skill University and a passport office, connectivity of Greater Faridabad with the main city, setting up of several colleges in rural areas and a Rs 185-crore project to augment water supply in 86 villages. The Smart City project is perhaps the biggest reward for the city and it will certainly boost growth in an unprecedented manner.

What are the reasons for poor civic infrastructure in the city and slow industrial growth?

Again, the previous governments are to be blamed for slow industrial growth. Our government has spent hundreds of crores of rupees in providing water, sewerage and roads in both urban and rural areas. New health centres have been established with better roads and other facilities in almost all colonies and villages. Around Rs 132 crore has been sanctioned for rejuvenation of the industrial sector. Though land is a big problem, the government is exploring all options to speed up development by sanctioning more funds and schemes.

Transportation and pollution are still major issues in Faridabad city.

The opening of the KGP and KMP expressways will certainly reduce the traffic burden on the city and will also decrease pollution by at least 40 per cent. While the KGP Expressway has been opened for people, the KMP Expressway will open in September this year. A feeder bus service for the Metro rail will reduce the number of auto-rickshaws, which also cause air pollution.