Notwithstanding the government’s resolve to make the Godavari Pushkarams-2015, scheduled to begin from July 14, a grand success, the government departments appear to have lost steam to keep pace with the fast approaching deadlines set up for various development works undertaken to ensure better amenities for the pilgrims.
For instance, the R&B, Irrigation and Municipal Administration Departments are yet to finalise the tenders for several development works as contractors are evincing little interest in taking up the projects which are relatively of smaller magnitude. “No one is coming forward to take up small works worth Rs.10 to Rs.50 lakh. So the finalisation of tenders has been delayed,” said Irrigation Superintendent Engineer Sugunakar Rao, who is overseeing the works undertaken in twin Godavari districts.
According to him, out of 244 ghats planned for the 12-day mega event, 138 are new ones of which 66 are in East Godavari district.
Out of 145 works, plans for 124 have been finalised of which 47 have already been grounded.
According to Engineers of Irrigation Department, there are four major works to be taken up at Markandeya ghat, VIP ghat, Pushkara ghat and Kotilingala ghat. The works would need at least three months for completion. “We are confident of completing all other works by May end except for the four ghats,” said Mr. Sugunakar Rao.
Asked about the preparedness for rain as the event will be organised in July, he said that concrete patch would be laid in several areas before the onset of monsoon.
