TRS foundation stones an eyewash, gimmicks: Vivekanand Goud

Hyderabad: State ministers are on a foundation stone laying spree days before the GHMC elections but a few projects do not have detailed project reports, which is the first step for any project. In Serilingampally Assembly constituency, a foundation stone was laid for a flyover but it does not have a DPR. Of six water reservoirs at a cost of Rs 295 crore planned in Serilingampally and Quthbullapur constituencies, only two have DPRs and approvals. A DPR includes the cost of the project, the site specified, the deadline to complete the project and land acquisition.

Serilingampally legislator Arakapudi Gandhi of the Telugu Desam said foundation stones were laid near Mind Space and at the Madhapur junction for flyovers without the knowledge of the local MLA. GHMC officials said that the DPR for the flyovers was yet to be prepared. In the rush to lay foundation stones, the projects that need immediate attention are being kept on hold. Quthbullapur MLA K.P. Vivekanand Goud of the TD added, “Projects worth over Rs 220 crore have been planned for the Quthbullapur constituency to construct four elevated reservoirs as we are the first to receive Godavari water. However, the site to build the tanks has not been identified. Foundation stones for projects worth crores are being laid without a study.”

The ministers have laid foundation stones for 15 projects since the beginning of this year. On January 8, six foundation stones were laid, mostly for reservoirs. But then, every ruling party is guilty of the practice.  For example, the foundation stone to build a bridge to link Necklace Road with Patigadda was laid during the Congress regime. The project has not yet taken off.