Focus on improving amenities: Vipul Goel

Vipul Goel, Minister for Industries and Environment, says the BJP government has spent Rs 800 crore on development works in Faridabad city. It is making sincere efforts to provide all facilities that will get a boost under the Smart City project. Excerpts from an interview with Bijendra Ahlawat…

Why Faridabad has been left behind in progress in comparison with Gurugram or Noida?

There could be many factors, including less attention given by previous state governments. But we have paid special attention to Faridabad city and have spent Rs 800 crore in the past four years. Of course the city has been facing civic infrastructure issues, but we are sure it is now ready to take a long leap forward with the help of the Smart City project.

Once known as the Manchester of North India, it is now called a dying city, why?

Some political leaders or parties have given this tag to Faridabad city. We have changed the focus by calling Faridabad a Growing City and the day is not far when it will regain its lost image.

What is the state of industrial development?

Several memorandums of understanding have been signed. Over 200 units have been set up in the past three years, thus providing employment opportunities to thousands of persons directly or indirectly. As all plots at the Industrial Model Township (IMT) have been allotted, availability of land is a major hurdle.

Encroachments and slum population have gone up; any measures taken?

Remedial measures are being taken. While encroachments are being removed, slum dwellers are being rehabilitated in special projects such as the Ashiyana scheme. We have over 200 flats ready to be allotted to poor persons. 

Availability of civic amenities to a large population is a big issue. What steps have been taken, as 30,000 families in Greater Faridabad are still without sewerage and water connections?

Civic infrastructure is being overhauled with laying of water pipelines and sewerage. A majority of roads in HUDA sectors have been paved. Efforts are on to get vacated the stay on laying of sewerage in Greater Faridabad. Sewerage connections have been provided to around five residential societies, and soon all 24 societies in Greater Faridabad will have the facility.

Faridabad has become infamous for poor air quality and it has been reported as the second most polluted city. Transport facilities are also poor in the city.

The survey report is wrong. We have contested it. However, efforts are being made to make the air in the city cleaner. Soon electric buses will be started in the city to check air pollution and provide better local transportation. A Metro line to Gurugram is also on the cards, and Rs 1,000 crore will be spent on upgrading the Faridabad bypass. 

What about health facilities; there is only one government hospital to serve a population of 16 lakh?

The civil hospital is being upgraded from 200 to 300 beds. Also, more doctors and specialists will be posted in the hospital soon.