Cong corporators oppose Sursagar lake’s redevelopment proposal

In a letter to the Mayor on Wednesday, Gohil has questioned the rationale behind spending Rs 29.80 crore on the ornamentation of the lake premises, without drawing up plans to clean up the water, which is “mostly effluent and sewage” as of date. In her letter, Gohil states that the presentation by Ahmedabad-based Maruti Constructions speaks of making a senior citizen park and strengthening the walls of the lake periphery, but does not touch upon the more critical issue of cleaning up the waters of the lake, which is also revered for the huge statue of Lord Shiva that stands in its centre. “The proposal speaks of the civil works around the periphery of the lake and the beautification. But what about the decontamination and cleansing of the lake waters? Just spending that money on superficially beautifying the periphery of the lake will not eliminate the stench that has become its identity today.”

Gohil has also pointed out that a 2012 court case against the VMC in connection with the Sursagar lake is still pending in a local court. In the agenda for the Standing Committee meeting to be held on Friday, the committee will discuss the proposal sent by the Municipal Commissioner to approve the item rate proposal of Maruti Constructions at Rs 24.07 crore, which has been revised from the original estimate of Rs 27.85 crore.