GUWAHATI, July 24 � Discussing at length the power scenario in the State at a meeting held to review the utilisation of Plan funds, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has asked the officials to procure power from the national grid to meet the current shortfall of 200-300 MW daily.
An official press release quoted the Chief Minister as saying, �Measures, both short and long terms, have to be taken up to reduce the shortfall of power.� At the meeting it was decided that a dedicated security force would be deployed at the NTPC�s Salakati (Bongaigaon) power project so that the personnel engaged there could work round the clock and complete the delayed project by 2015. In this context, the Chief Minister asked Principal Secretary MGVK Bhanu to personally visit the site and take stock of the situation.
The Chief Minister also emphasised that coal linkages to power projects in the State should be taken up with the Central Government with renewed vigour at all levels.
Gogoi asked the officials to improve the utilisation of the Plan funds and to submit the utilisation certificates for timely release of funds from the Ministries of Government of India. He said that he would review the status of utilisation every month.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the status of utilisation awarded under the 13th Finance Commission with the senior officials. Reviewing the status of implementation of flagship programmes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including MNERGA, the Chief Minister directed the Finance Department to issue the circular according sanctioning as well as ceiling powers to the departments within July 31 to ensure that the schemes and programmes go on smoothly without any hiccups.
As regards Urban Development, the Chief Minister asked the departmental heads concerned to draw up a comprehensive plan to improve the infrastructure of the municipal towns. Gogoi also emphasised the need to take steps to light up the streets of Guwahati for which Rs 25 crore had been proposed.
He asked the officials of Urban Development Department to study the �Smart City� concept so that it is implemented in a time-bound manner. Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department informed the Chief Minister that Master Plan for Guwahati would be ready within this year and those for other towns are in the pipeline. The Chief Minister strongly reiterated that not only Guwahati but also other towns and cities in the State should have well thought-out Master Plans with proper drainage plans.
The Chief Minister asked the officials to strictly enforce the preservation of water bodies in and around Guwahati. �Ensure that the water bodies are free from all encumbrances. Encroachment should not take place at all,� he said.
