Centre okays Phase II of Sabarmati riverfront

AHMEDABAD: In another boost for infrastructure in the state, the Union government has sanctioned Phase II of the Sabarmati riverfront project. The Centre’s National River Conservation Authority approved the project and has granted Rs 444.44 crore for Phase II.
The project aims to provide Ahmedabad a waterfront environment along the banks of the Sabarmati.The project looks to reconnect the city with the river and transform neglected parts of the riverfront.
According to the approval, 70% of the cost — that is Rs 311.72 crore — will be borne by the Government of India, and 30% or Rs 132.72 crore will be shared by the Government of Gujarat and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation.
According to AMC officials, the Union government granted Rs 90 crore for Phase I of the project, to construct a 22-km sewerage network, two terminal pumping stations and two sewage treatment plants, besides two crematoria and five toilets.
Projects in Phase II include: Rs 176-crore for Pirana, Vasna and Chandrabhaga drains and Cantonment Sewage Treatment Plant; Rs 115-crore for new sewerage lines for Meghaninagar, Chiloda, Hathijan, Vasna and Nikol, Rs 42 crore for a new pumping plant at Vastral, and Rs 70-crore for repairing old sewerage lines.
After Phase II of the river conservation project, no untreated drainage will be released into the Sabarmati. Similarly, industrial waste water will also be released into the sewerage lines only after primary treatment according to the provisions.