Light & Sound Programme
THE ALLAHABAD Development Authority has prepared a revised budget of Rs 82.33 lakh for the much-hyped Light and Sound programme to be installed at Chandrashekhar Azad’s statue. The process to install the programme was expedited on the directives of the High Court.
Notably, the High Court had directed the authorities to start the programme at the time of the beginning of the Ardha Kumbh mela -2007. The DM has even announced dedication of the programme to the people by January 7. However, with revised budget being drafted now, the authorities might not be able to meet the DM’s deadline.
It is pertinent to mention that following a public interest litigation (PIL) by one Anand Mohan, demanding starting of the light and sound programme in time, the two-member bench comprising Justice AK Yog and Justice SK Jain of the High Court, in its October 17, directed the ADA to draft a budget for the installation of the programme.
It was following the order that the ADA had presented the budget before the High Court.
As per the ADA budget plan, M/S Usha Enterprises estimates an expenditure of Rs 56.85 lakh for starting of the light and sound programme besides, the ADA needs Rs 1 lakh for power connection from the UPPCL , Rs 5 lakh for room construction, Rs 5 lakh for air conditioners and decoration, Rs 2 lakh for electrification, Rs 5 lakh for barricading and other works and Rs 7.48 lakh, as engineering appreciation. The same bench, on November 22, had expected: “The authorities concerned shall, appreciating time constrains, do the needful and get required financial sanction and funds to enable the ADA to proceed.”
{{/usCountry}}As per the ADA budget plan, M/S Usha Enterprises estimates an expenditure of Rs 56.85 lakh for starting of the light and sound programme besides, the ADA needs Rs 1 lakh for power connection from the UPPCL , Rs 5 lakh for room construction, Rs 5 lakh for air conditioners and decoration, Rs 2 lakh for electrification, Rs 5 lakh for barricading and other works and Rs 7.48 lakh, as engineering appreciation. The same bench, on November 22, had expected: “The authorities concerned shall, appreciating time constrains, do the needful and get required financial sanction and funds to enable the ADA to proceed.”
{{/usCountry}}“Expenditure on this project can be met by falling upon ‘Nagar Vikas Fund’, various funds under available heads or a little savings from the budget provided for holding ‘Ardh Kumbh Mela’ to Cultural and Tourism Department, special and extraordinary measure at Government disposal,” the Court had observed.
Following the observation, Advocate General SMA Kazmi had assured the court to co-ordinate and even ensured availability of requisite funds for light and sound project. Chief Standing Council CB Yadav had also affirmed before the court that funds should not be allowed to be an obstacle to get the project implemented.
Interestingly, the ADA officials had already sent a project report to the State Government and demanded funds over Rs 55 lakh earlier. However, the ADA officials revised the same and presented an estimate of Rs 82.33 lakh for the completion of the project. The authorities explaining the reasons for revised budget said that after going through aspects of the ‘project’ and investigating financial burden, a need for revision of earlier budget arose which also led to some delay in the process.