Nitish launches 189 buildingprojects worth Rs 2,530 crore

PATNA: Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday launched 189 building projects worth Rs 2,530 crore through videoconferencing from ‘Sankalp’ hall of his official residence at 1, Anney Marg here.
Of the 189 projects, 106 buildings worth Rs 1,340 crore were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for the remaining 83 projects, worth Rs 1,189 crore.
All the 189 building projects, which are of 18 different departments of the state government, have been or are being executed either by the building construction department (BCD) or the Bihar State Building Construction Corporation (BSBCC).
Speaking on the occasion, the CM attacked the BJP-led government at the Centre for trying to destroy all “old things”, including historical buildings and monuments.“Today’s government at the Centre is adamant to destroy all old things, but we want that old monuments are conserved,” Nitish said in an oblique reference to the Centre’s decision to make a new Parliament building, ignoring the importance of the existing Sansad Bhavan.
While laying the foundation for the new projects, the CM asked the BCD officials to ensure timely completion of the buildings. “If construction agencies are delaying the projects, oversee the projects and find out why the works are being delayed. Ensure completion of construction works of all those buildings on time for which foundation stones were laid today,” Nitish told the BCD officials.He also asked the BCD officials to ensure regular maintenance and proper upkeep of all the government buildings, especially those iconic buildings which were built by his government in recent years.
“Huge amount is spent on the construction of the government buildings. Proper upkeep of the buildings is very necessary. All departmental engineers will pay attention to regular maintenance,” Nitish said.
The CM also ordered fresh appointment of engineers and employees for maintenance works. “If more engineers, officers and employees are required for smooth execution of maintenance works, the department should immediately start the process to appoint new employees,” he said.
Deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, BCD minister Ashok Kumar Choudhary, chief secretary Amir Subhani and the BCD secretary Kumar Ravi also addressed the event.