Centre gives nod to projects for Amritsar under HRIDAY

In a boost to the holy city of Amritsar, the Union government on Thursday gave nod to various projects under the Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY).

In a boost to the holy city of Amritsar, the Union government on Thursday gave nod to various projects under the Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY).

As the Centre has already sanctioned Rs 69 crore for Amritsar under HRIDAY, the administration would make the detailed project reports (DPR’s) of the sanctioned projects and the work would start after following all the formalities.

Detailing about the projects sanctioned under HRIDAY, Amritsar deputy commissioner Ravi Bhagat said, “Amritsar was inducted under HRIDAY along with other cities last year. Since then we were on job to shortlist of projects that could be sent to the Union government for approval.”

“In the first phase, a total Rs 69 crores will be spent. One of the most important projects that got the sanction was the comprehensive road development and upgradation of 21 major roads leading to the Golden Temple,” the DC said.

“This project of roads leading to Golden Temple also includes interventions towards improved storm sewer drainage and streetscape and landscape development by creating a 300-metre buffer pedestrian zone around the Golden Temple. A total of Rs 32 crores will be spent on this all important project,” the DC added.

Other than this, Rs 7.35 crores would be spent on Rambagh Garden recreational area. This would also include the upgradation of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama and a parking area.

Meanwhile, Rs 6 crore would be spent on the Gobindgarh Fort and Durgiana Mandir historic area. “Money will be spent on reorganising connectivity and linkages through streetscape and landscape improvement in Gol Bagh. Improvement of its immediate vicinity will be done through waste management and organising existing drainage and electrical works. There will also be a provision for pedestrian over bridge, connecting the entrance of the Fort and the parking area,” said the DC.

Around Rs 5 crore would be spent on revitalisation and infrastructure development of 40 Khoo. An environmental park would also be developed on the edge of UBDC canal. There are certain other additional projects that would also be a part of the HRIDAY.

The DC said, “Various meetings were held to ensure that the money is spent in the best way and we touched most of projects. Once the DPR’s are ready, we will try to get the works kick started at the earliest.”

Notably, the roads leading to Golden Temple are in a bad shape and the administration hopes that this project can be a major breather for the pilgrims and people living around.