These projects were initiated by AUDA but now fall within AMC limits; have hence been stopped.
Residents of a scheme of flats in Prahaladnagar are losing sleep over what should have been a source of enjoyment and some fresh air.
An incomplete lake beautification project, initiated by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (Auda) but presently abandoned, has turned into a health hazard.
An empty pond-like space in the area gathers rain water, turning into the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and making it extremely dangerous for children who play there.
This incomplete project near Prahaladnagar is one of 10 recreational projects, of lake beautification and development of parks and gardens, that have suffered on account of former Auda areas being merged into Ahmedabad Municipal corporation (AMC) limits.
These projects were commenced by the Auda when areas like Motera, Thaltej and Prahaladnagar were within its geographic responsibility. However, since these areas were merged into AMC limits, work on more than 10 such projects has been stopped by the Auda.
While Auda officials say the work has stopped because the projects were to be handed over to the AMC, residents in surrounding residential areas say the work was stopped a good three years ago. Vraj Vihar-7, Bansari bungalows and Green Acres are some of the residential schemes that are suffering because of their proximity to the lake.
"The lake premises have turned into a place to flush drainage water and it is a health scare for us. If it rains for a few days at a stretch, the lake attracts mosquitoes in droves," said Pushpendra Jhala, a resident of Vraj Vihar-7 which is adjoining the lake.
Jhala said that in 2008, the murky water also claimed the life of a 12-year old boy. The boy lost his life while trying to get his ball back from the slush, and slipped. Despite knowing that these projects pose a major threat to citizens' health, officials at Auda say they do not have the responsibility of carrying out any kind of work on the projects in AMC areas. "We have handed over around 33 lake projects (yet to begin) and around 10 projects of lakes, parks and gardens, on which the Auda had already started work, to the AMC, some months ago. Now, it is the AMC's job to have them started," said a senior Auda official.
When DNA checked with the AMC's parks and garden department, which looks after these projects, officials said that there are no chances of work starting immediately. "We are still in talks with Auda officials for details of the projects - the money spent on them, when exactly they stopped work on them, etc. The Auda claims they spent Rs150 crore on lake development projects, but we are yet to verify their claim," said a senior AMC official.
Deputy municipal commissioner for the parks and garden department, SK Langa, admitted that this monsoon, citizens will have to bear with the problems caused by these incomplete lakes and garden projects.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}