Dravyavati rejuvenation project gets boost with Centre nod to construct gabion wall

Talks are underway with the relevant authorities to clear the remaining two hurdles in the project.

The ongoing Dravyavati River Project has got a fresh impetus with the forest and environment ministry giving a no-objection certificate to Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) to construct a gabion structure on a 5.5-km long stretch.

The gabion wall is being constructed to prevent flooding during heavy rains.

The move will speed up the project, JDA officials said. A consortium led by Tata Projects and Shanghai Urban Construction Group is working on the ₹ 1,676 crore project to restore the river, which has turned into a nullah.

The state government has set a deadline of August 2018 for completion of the project.

“Talks are underway with the relevant authorities to clear the remaining two hurdles in the project,” said JDA commissioner Vaibhav Galriya.

The JDA is seeking clearance for construction in a 3-km stretch that falls in the military area. A survey work has already been completed and JDA officials have had a detailed discussion with the local commander. There is another stretch in the area near Hasanpura basti for which rehabilitation work needs to be completed.

Dravyawati was a 47-km long river flowing between the foothills of the Nahargarh Fort and the Dhund River, but over the years encroachment and pollution degraded it into a drainage that is now known as Amanishah nullah.

A large stretch of the nullah flows through densely populated areas of the city.

The rejuvenation project entails construction of an ecological park, recreational park, walking tracks and ponds beside check dams and sewerage treatment plant.

There are also plans to plant 16,000 trees and develop 65,000 square meters green area under this project. This will make it a tourist destination. The government has drawn up plans to develop the gardens on the lines of world famous parks like Singapore Botanical Garden.

The consortium will be responsible for the maintenance of this project for 10 years from the completion of the project. At present, the levelling work in many areas has been completed and the company is disposing of the garbage and debris that were piled up in the nullah.

In a review meeting held in May, chief minister Vasundhara Raje instructed the officials to ensure that work on the project is completed by August 15, 2018.