Ranchi, Nov. 25: Rural Jharkhand promises tourists a dose of distinct architecture, tribal culture and ethnic cuisine. But sadly there aren’t enough roads to get there.
The idea behind the World Bank-sponsored Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was to create sustainable road links in rural areas and respective state governments were to implement the project.
In Jharkhand, funds were allocated and a deadline of 2007 was fixed for completing the first five phases (see box). However, of the total 4,470km of all-weather roads that were to be built, the state only managed 2,898 km.
Given the extent of delays all over, the Centre convened a special meeting of states. Of course Jharkhand was one among them.
Anugraha Prakash, the chief engineer in the rural works department (RWD), who doubles as in-charge of the Jharkhand State Rural Road Development Authority (JSRRDA), cited extremism and land acquisition problems in forest areas as the two primary reasons behind the scheme’s failure in the state.
Also, the state’s sluggish attitude in inviting tenders also ensured that delays kept happening with contractors feeling discouraged to bid.
So far not a single phase has been completed.
More than 12 stretches in phases I to IV were lying incomplete. And phase V faces major bottlenecks.
For the 15 packages under it, no tenders have been submitted and contractors cite cost issues and Naxalite problems as reasons.
“We want to ensure that contractors bid for at least 15 stretches under phase V of the scheme. We have dealt with instances when contractors have quoted less rates to bag projects. In some such cases we are even willing to compensate the losses to ensure projects are taken up and executed,” said Prakash.
With phase V yet to be complete, phase VI is miles away from execution. This part of the project entails 2,971km of fresh roads for which Rs 928 crore has already been allocated. The Centre expects states to complete the remaining stretches (till phase VI) by 2009. Only when these are complete, will funds be made available for future projects.
In Jharkhand, if the Prime Minister’s project to connect rural India has to succeed, the Shibu Soren government will have to shrug off its lethargy and act.
For, the people would welcome its success.
(Concluded)
