Projects move at a snail’s pace to avoid criticism

Coimbatore: When the model code of conduct is in place, state and central governments refrain from announcing or implementing new projects fearing backlash from the Election Commission of India.
Therefore, governments announce or implement several projects in a jiffy before the announcement of election dates.

The city corporation too commenced the work for two projects under the ‘Smart City Mission’ ahead of announcement of parliamentary election dates. But the work on the two projects is moving at snail’s pace to avoid public criticism.

Days before the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the election dates, the city corporation inaugurated two of its ambitious projects – restoration and rejuvenation of Periyakulam tank and Selvachintamani tank at the cost of Rs 62.17 crore and 31.47 crore respectively and a multi-level car parking facility at the cost of 40.78 crore on DB Road.

“The projects were inaugurated to prevent delay in commencement of developmental works by months together as we would not be able to float tender or commence the work when model code of conduct is in place. But now when the election campaign is going on at full swing, we did not want to speed up the works as it will look like the works were done because of the election,” said corporation sources.

The sources said that the corporation has decided to slow down the work to avoid public criticism. Works would be speeded up after April 18, when elections are compsleted in the state.

According to sources, the corporation has been focusing on the initial 100m-stretch along northern bund of Periyakulam tank at Perur bypass road on a pilot basis. Work at other stretches and lakes would be commenced once the work on the model stretch is completed.

The corporation would float re-tender to identify suitable bidders to carry out the lake restoration project at Valankulam tank after the election, the sources added.

While the lake rejuvenation project is expected to create the recreational space for the public in the city limit, the multi-level car parking facility is expected to reduce traffic congestion in one of the highly congested roads, DB Road.