Canal Front project misses deadline

rveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, December 20

The project of Canal Front on the bank of Western Yamuna Canal has missed its deadline of November end. As per sources, the project is running late by around three-months. Now, the authorities have fixed its new deadline to end of February 2022.

Taking inspiration from the development of Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Karnal Smart City Ltd. (KSCL), a company looking after the Karnal Smart City project, had chalked out a plan of developing two-km long stretch between Kachwa road and Kaithal road as tourist spot.

After the nod from the state government, the KSCL started work on this project, costing around Rs 6.5 crore, and the deadline was fixed to November 2021 end, but, as per the authorities, due to the Covid-19 induced second wave and lockdown, the work was hampered leading to delay.

“The project has missed its deadline of November-end and now we have fixed a deadline of February-end. I have directed the company to complete it before the deadline, otherwise penalty will be imposed,” said Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner-who is CEO KSCL.

Under this project, an amusement park, cycle track, walk way, kids play area, and other facilities for residents are being developed. Two open-air gyms will be part of this project. There will be lighting throughout the stretch, said the CEO.

The Triveni park is being developed at a point where three canals, including Bhakra, SYL and the Western Yamuna Canal meet, this will beautify the project, he said.

Besides, the KSCL called two separate tenders to develop a park in an acre near the Western Yamuna Canal bridge and a landscape of mud along it.

“We have called two separate tenders for developing one park in an acre near the bridge and also develop a landscape near it. Both works will enhance the beauty of this site,” said Yadav, adding that the work of cycle track is almost complete, while the work on footpath is underway. Two small parks are also being developed on this stretch.

Canalfront will boost social-economic development of the areas and will create a well balanced eco-friendly environment. The purpose of this project is to maintain the ecological state of the waterfront as well as protect the existing natural areas. Besides, conserving the flora and fauna embankments of the canals will also be maintained, the CEO added.