JNNURM bonanza: Chief minister Madhu Koda kicks off projects. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, April 4: Slum development projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM) at Ranchi and Dhanbad would begin in two to three months.

At a review meeting today, chief minister Madhu Koda asked senior officials to float tenders concerned immediately and begin groundwork at the earliest.

“I have clearly asked the officials to ensure that groundwork begins in full swing at the earliest. With the constitution of duly elected municipal bodies, technical hurdles in the way of execution of urban development schemes have been removed. Now they should immediately float tenders and begin work,” Koda said.

Slum development in Ranchi would be done in three phases. The Centre has released Rs 26 crore for the first phase. Ten localities of the capital have been identified for development.

Despite the availability of funds, groundwork could not begin due to poor planning. But now, groundwork for the three phases is expected to begin simultaneously.

Projects involving expenditure of Rs 106.35 crore would be taken up in the second and third phases. The Centre has approved the detailed project reports and the funds are likely to arrive soon. In the second phase, 25 slum areas would be developed in 56 clusters and 3,574 units would be built. There will be 2,388 double-storeyed units and 1,366 four-storeyed units. Over Rs 67.87 crore would be spent in the second phase.

In Dhanbad, 24 slum areas would be developed in two phases. After development, there would be 316 clusters comprising 1,848 units. It has been decided to build 1,232 double-storeyed units and 616 four-storeyed units. The project would cost Rs 54.79 crore.

The chief minister said every cluster would have basic civic amenities such as playground, community hall, cattle shed and school. Community development programmes, too, would be taken up on a priority basis.

Replying to a question, the chief minister said his government would provide alternate accommodation to those who have built huts on their own lands. These people would “return home” once their new houses are built. The government is also considering providing alternate accommodation to those who have encroached state land.

The chief minister also reviewed the drinking water scarcity in the capital.

It was observed that the Centre has provided Rs 43 crore for long-term schemes to fight the problem. The schemes have to be executed by the urban development department, the water resources and the drinking water and sanitation departments.

It was agreed to build a huge reservoir, which would fulfil Ranchi’s drinking water requirement till 2039. The officials have been directed to prepare a feasibility report.