Delhi Water Minister Initiates Investigation into AAP's Inoperative Rs 80 Crore Timarpur Sewage Project
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Synopsis
Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma has initiated an investigation into the alleged misuse of Rs 80 crore by the previous AAP government for a non-functional sewage treatment project in Timarpur. The project has drawn scrutiny for its lack of implementation despite significant financial investment.
Key Takeaways
- Investigation into Rs 80 crore expenditure.
- Timarpur sewage project deemed corrupt.
- Plans to repurpose the site for public benefit.
- Launch of GPS-enabled water tankers to improve water access.
- Commitment to enhance transparency in water management.
New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma on Sunday announced a thorough investigation into claims of misallocation of Rs 80 crore by the former AAP administration for a non-functional sewage treatment and water recharge facility located in north Delhi’s Timarpur.
During his visit to the proposed site, Verma described this project as a clear instance of corruption under the AAP government, highlighting that it has not been operational despite the significant financial outlay.
“Approximately Rs 35 crore was invested in landscaping and grass planting, while another Rs 40 crore went into constructing ponds, summing up to nearly Rs 80-85 crore. Questions are arising regarding the destination of these funds, and a thorough inquiry will follow...” he stated.
He further noted that the intended project, utilizing outdated techniques and methodologies, was never initiated or put into operation.
“The AAP government had even intended to allocate additional public funds for the upkeep of this proposed facility; however, I have intervened to halt this unnecessary spending,” he asserted.
“We are set to repurpose the site, ensuring its new application benefits both the public and the department,” he added.
Initially, the AAP administration planned to channel clean water from the STP into the Timarpur lake. Upon completion, the accumulated water was expected to aid in groundwater recharge and enhance water treatment processes.
Later on, Verma proceeded to inspect the Tilak Bridge in central Delhi, an area prone to waterlogging during the rainy season, evaluating the local drainage and pumping systems.
In the morning, Verma, alongside Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, launched 1,111 GPS-enabled water tankers aimed at alleviating the water shortage in the national capital.
These 1,111 GPS-enabled tankers are part of a broader initiative to enhance water accessibility in regions with limited or no piped water supply. The initiative, led by the Delhi Jal Board, aims to provide real-time tracking and increased accountability.
Verma, who assessed the rollout site early in the day, expressed that this initiative would effectively dismantle the tanker mafia that prospered under the previous administration.
"Our government's transparency model, coupled with the completion of 10 years of Digital India under PM Modi, has allowed us to connect the Delhi Jal Board to a fully digital IT dashboard at our headquarters in Jhandewalan," Verma stated.
"The previous government turned Delhi into a swamp. We have managed to cultivate a lotus in that swamp and will continue to do so," he remarked.
Verma also mentioned that each tanker will be assigned specific routes and destinations, allowing the public to track them via a mobile application.
"The delivery of water at designated points will also be monitored, thanks to the sensors we are installing," he concluded.
