Latest news with #Rs3.53
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Encroachments, official apathy delay Lendi lake rejuvenation
Nagpur: Despite receiving administrative approval nearly two years ago under, Centre's Amrut 2.0 mission , the rejuvenation of Lendi Lake in Nagpur remains a distant dream. Sanctioned on November 2, 2022, with a project cost of Rs14.13 crore, the ambitious plan aimed to desilt the lake, construct an edge wall, lay a pedestrian walkway, and install sewage and stormwater lines. However, today, Lendi lake stands as a grim symbol of official lethargy, citizens' apathy, and unbridled encroachment. Encroachments surrounding the 2.6-hectare lake have completely stalled any progress. Although contractor Aditya Infra Ltd was awarded the project for Rs11.58 crore and issued a work order on February 17, 2023, ground realities crippled the operation. Officials admit that attempts to desilt the lake using heavy-duty pumps were thwarted as 187 nearby unauthorized houses risk collapse if the work proceeds. The NMC's lake and rejuvenation department revealed the startling information in a report submitted to the Union minister and city MP Nitin Gadkari. Repeated site inspections by senior officials, including NMC additional commissioner and the district collector, have yielded little beyond notices to the encroachers. The lake, which falls under the jurisdiction of Nazul department, has seen no significant action to clear the illegal structures. With wastewater from at least 48 unauthorized inlet points continuously draining into Lendi Lake, the ecosystem is under relentless assault. Officials say the encroachments, dense habitation, and strong local resistance make lake rejuvenation nearly impossible. Frustrated, NMC has informed the state govt that progressing with the project is "practically unfeasible" under current circumstances. The project's 12-month timeline expired in February 2024 without tangible outcome, further exposing the administration's helplessness and planning flaws. In March 2025, a fresh Rs27.04 crore plan was drawn up, considering an increased lake area of 3 hectares after district guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule held a meeting on this. Yet without first addressing the illegal settlements, experts warn that no amount of planning or funding will save the lake from death by neglect. Lendi lake's tragic story mirrors the slow death many urban lakes across Nagpur and Maharashtra face — caught between administrative red tape, political reluctance, and citizens who treat water bodies as dumping grounds. If urgent, decisive action isn't taken, another piece of the city's natural heritage will soon disappear under concrete and sewage, with only memories left behind. Timeline 2022 October 11: Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) grants technical sanction to the Rs14.13 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) under AMRUT 2.0. November 2: Maharashtra govt issues administrative approval to the project under AMRUT 2.0. Funding Breakdown Central govt: Rs3.53 crore (25%) State govt: Rs3.53 crore (25%) Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC): Rs7.06 crore (50%) 2023 February 17: Work order issued to contractor M/s Aditya Infra Ltd for Rs11.58 crore (including GST) at 16.70% below estimate. Project Duration: 12 months from the work order date. Throughout 2023: Efforts made to begin work including temporary access creation and lake water pumping using 35 HP, 10 HP, and 7.5 HP pumps. Project delayed due to encroachments and public opposition. 2024 Early 2024: Based on consultant's report, 187 houses could be impacted by sludge removal; notices issued accordingly. Due to risk to nearby houses and public resistance, desilting could not be carried out. January 3: Joint site inspection by additional municipal commissioner; various departments instructed to initiate encroachment removal. February 15: District Collector conducts inspection, directs that notices be served to households at risk due to sludge removal. Comparative maps be prepared for slum households surveyed in 2011 and 2023. February 17: Original contract period ends with negligible physical progress due to unresolved encroachments. March 19: At a review meeting chaired by Guardian Minister, NMC is directed to revise the project. 2025 Post-March 2025: NMC prepares a revised project report for Rs27.04 crore based on updated lake area of 3.0 hectares. Phase 1 (Rs15.46 crore): Focuses on lake emptying, desilting, and edge wall construction. Phase 2 (Rs11.59 crore): Includes footpath development, STP setup, protective walls, and greenery-related works.
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Govt cuts petrol by Re0.50 and HSD by Rs5.31, effective from March 1
Listen to article The government has reduced the price of petrol by Re0.50 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs5.31 for next fortnight effective from March 1, 2025. The new price of petrol will be Rs255.63 per litre while HSD will settle at Rs258.64, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance on Friday. Moreover, Kerosene oil prices have been lowered by Rs3.53 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs168.12. Similarly, the price of light diesel oil (LDO) has been reduced by Rs2.47 per litre, bringing it down to Rs153.34. Previously on February 16, the government had reduced the petrol price by Rs1 per litre to Rs256.13 and lowered HSD by Rs4 per litre to Rs263.95.
