Under the Nirmal Jyothi part II scheme, work was undertaken to build infrastructure at a cost of Rs 577.94 lakhs in eight slums.  Labour colony, N R Colony, Maraluru Janatha Colony, Nazarabad, Edga Mohalla, Bhagya Mandir, Sira gate and A K colony are the slums identified under the project.

The plan involves constructing concrete roads, drains and water supply units and asphalting roads. The work started on April 23 last year and as per the agreement it is supposed to be completed on April 25.

It is clearly stated in the plan agreement that every month work costing Rs 50.79 lakh has to be completed. If things went as per the plan, by now work costing Rs 5 crore should have completed by now.

However, the work is progressing at a snail’s pace and so far work costing Rs 90 lakhs has been done. Apart from borewell work at Nazarabad and Edga mohalla and underground drainage work at Maraluru janatha colony and Sira gate, no work has been done in other localities.

This only shows the irresponsibility on the part of the contractors and the concerned officials.

Budget allocation

For the uplift of slums in the entire State under the Nirmal Jyothi Scheme there was a need of Rs 74 crore.

However, only Rs 28 crore was allocated for the same in the last budget. The former minister for finance had said that the remaining amount will be released later which has not been done so for. Since there is crisis of funds, senior officials of the slum clearance board have issued oral orders to stop the work, sources informed Deccan Herald.

It was wrong to initiate the work without ensuring the required budget, say contractors. In the tussle between the contractors and officials, the woes of  the residents of these localities continue.