The civic body floated tenders worth Rs360 crore for the first phase of the riverfront development project that was opposed by environmentalists and civic activists on the grounds of cost escalataion and prossible environmental hazards.
The Pune Municipal Corporation’s initiative is designed on the lines of the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project. The activists had claimed that the project might increase the chances of environmental hazards. They had also claimed that the civic body increased the project cost from Rs.2,300 crore to Rs.4,200 crore without proper public consultation.
As per the tenders, the first phase will be carried out from Sangam Ghat to Bund Garden. Works in the first phase of the project will include beautification of the banks of the river, Naik island and the cycle tracks.
A total of 44km stretch of Mula and Mutha rivers will be developed as part of the initiative. Out of that, over 32km will be developed in the first four stretches and the rest will be a part of the subsequent seven stages of the project.
“The collection of tenders will start from October 29 (Friday). The civic body has given time till November 13 for submitting the bids,” said Yuvraj Deshmukh, superintending engineer (projects) of the PMC.
The standing committee of the PMC had earlier this month given its nod to start the project. The general body had also unanimously approved the proposal.
“The politicians have approved the project in a hurry. The problems of flooding and the issues related to blue and red lines have been ignored. This will affect the citizens, particularly those living near the river banks,” said Vivek Velankar of the Sajag Nagrik Manch.
As per the data of the designers, 62 hectares of free land will be available for the development of the project which will be used for developing public amenities. Gardens and playgrounds are planned in these areas. Of the total areas to be developed, 79% will be a part of the green initiative and 21% will be related to engineering works.
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