52 big projects in UP cause cost escalation of Rs 3,611 cr

Lucknow, May 2 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government today reviewed pending big projects in the state and issued an order to complete those, pending due to small shortfalls of funds, on a priority basis.

Altogether 55 big projects are delayed, leading to a cost and time over run out of this, 87 per cent belong to the irrigation department.

State chief secretary N C Bajpayee said of the total projects, 52 had caused the state exchequer a cost escalation of Rs 3,611 crore, over a period ranging from six months to 20 yrs.

The government also decided to abandon the Lachura Dam project in Babina (Jhansi), which was pending since the last 28 yrs.

The cabinet order said two phases of Saryu River Project be completed first before taking up the third phase, while Rs 5.25 crore sanctioned for Mahoba Drinking Water Project be utilised immediately. Mahoba Drinking Water Project costing around Rs 23 crore is pending for the last five yrs.

The government said all departments should identify the projects pending due to small amount rather than going for new ones.

Mr Bajpayee said cost over run and time over run were due to several reasons including non sanction of funds in the 8th and 9th Five Year Plans and non-allocation of land.

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