Aurangabad, Nov 1:
About 20 per cent work of the underground drainage project is still pending. The old contractor refused to work due to lack of funds. Therefore, the municipal administration wrapped up all the work. Another Rs 100 crore is needed for the rest of the work. The state government has already agreed to give Rs 100 crore. Municipal administration will prepare a new DPR and submit it to the government.
Although the work of the city''s underground drainage project is 80 per cent complete, the work of connecting the internal line to the main drainage line is incomplete. The central government had sanctioned Rs 365 crore eight years ago to permanently solve the city''s drainage problem. After the tender process, the plan went up to Rs 464 crore. It was decided that the central government would contribute 60 per cent, the municipal corporation and the state government would contribute 20 per cent each of the remaining 40 per cent. The municipal corporation will have to pay Rs 83 crore for the work. Apart from this, due to the increase in the cost of the project, an additional Rs 99 crore will have to be paid. Out of Rs 182 crore, Rs 34 crore has been given by the corporation. It was decided to take out a loan as there was no money to pay the remaining amount. Due to lack of funds, the work has come to a standstill. The corporation is yet to lay 80 km of drainage line and connect Banewadi sewage treatment plant and two nullahs. A new DPR will be prepared for the work. After receiving a grant of Rs 100 crore from the state government, the works will start.