Why sewerage project for Ajmer, Pushkar delayed, asks court

JAIPUR: A division bench of Rajasthan High Court questioned the state government on the delay of sewerage project meant for Ajmer and Pushkar cities which is pending for the past 10 years.


The Bench, while expressing concern over the nullahs polluting the Anasagar Lake , asked the state government to expedite the project and also penalize those who are responsible for polluting the lake.

However, Ajmer Development Authority (ADA) in its reply said that they will complete the project in this financial year. The court expressed its displeasure on the delay of the sewerage plant on a petition filed by common cause society.

On Monday, M S Singhvi, advocate general (AG), government of Rajasthan submitted the compliance report in which it was stated that the whole work relating to the sewerage plant would be completed by 2020. The court was informed that till date 11,000 sewerage connection have been given and 10,000 more connections to be given.

“Every household would be covered with this project and all the drains would be connected with the sewerage treatment plant (STP),” said Ajmer Development Authority, adding out of the 11 drains polluting the Anasagar 2 have already been closed. ADA also maintained that people in Pushkar and Ajmer are not showing their interest in taking the sewerage connection.

The Ajmer-Pushkar Sewerage project has an estimated cost of Rs 112 crore and it will bring a sewerage network of 95 kms.

Responding to the compliance report and take of ADA authorities, the bench comprising Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice NS Dhadda said that the work of sewerage project for Ajmer and Pushkar is in progress for the past 10 years. “Why it is delayed and the work is going on a slow pace. The authorities should take action as per the provision of pollution control board to check pollution,” said the court.

The next date of hearing in this matter is August 6.