Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: Having remained inactive over the issue of preparing a comprehensive plan to preserve river Tawi and making it free from pollution, for which a resolution was passed in the Upper House last year, majority of the members in the House of Elders cornered the Minister of State in charge Housing and Urban Development, Nasir Aslam Wani, today.
The issue was raised forcefully by the National Conference member Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, who sought the details regarding comprehensive plan for preservation of river Tawi and saving it from polluted drains water of the old city, for which a resolution was adopted in the Upper House during Budget Session last year. He also sought the details of the funds sanctioned for the project and utilized for Tawi beautification and keeping it free from sewerage water pollution.
Mr Sadhotra expressed his displeasure over the issue and said that despite having passed a resolution, no serious concern has been shown by the Government and Tawi has virtually been allowed to become hell as all the dirty drains and nallahs are even today flowing directly into the river. He said this issue was also recently projected by some newspapers. He said this sacred river known has ‘Surajputri’ has its own importance. It is pity that Government has not taken this issue seriously. He apprehended that artificial lake which is going to be created may turn into most polluted city drain water body. He also sought details of the works of UEED, Tourism, JMC etc.
Javid Rana from NC said it is unfortunate that resolution was passed one year back and no cognizance of the matter was taken. How much time will the Government take to prepare a plan and make this river free from pollution. Syed Rafiq Shah, showing a report of a Regional English daily said that paper has drawn concern of everybody. It shows that river has virtually been turned into a ‘Gutter’. No measures were taken to divert city nallahs.
Naresh Gupta from Congress said how much time will it take to construct Sewerage Treatment Plant (SPT) and how much work has been done on it. He asked for the delay being caused in the completion of this work.
Murtaza Ahmed Khan from PDP said Tourism related Tawi beautification projects can be carried on without creation of artificial lake. What progress has been made to divert city waste material including solid or liquid, flowing from the sewerage to the river. Government should give the time frame of the project. Narbu Gailchan also raised supplementary.
The minister had to face the wrath of the members who almost cornered him on the issue. Mr Wani in his response said that comprehensive plan for preservation of river Tawi involves various agencies like UEED, Tourism, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control department. The plan is being taken up systematically. UEED has been involved in city sewerage and drainage work and NBCC and ERA have been involved. The matter of diversion of four city nallahs has been taken up with Chief Engineer UEED. Two STPs at Bhagwati Nagar are under construction and the work on third has also been taken up. The proposal for treatment of sewerage on the left bank of river Tawi was under active consideration of the UEED. He said barrage/ lake and allied works with the cost of Rs 140 crore have been taken up. It will create 2 km long lake for the people and visitors. Over 90 % work of embankments on river Tawi has been completed, he maintained.
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