District Magistrate Issues Action Against VA Tech Wabag for Delays

In Kanpur Nagar, District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh has ordered action against VA Tech Wabag Ltd. due to significant project delays. The company’s CEO, Shailesh Kumar, and project manager, Dev Anand, were absent from a critical review meeting on the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Project (Mld CETP) held on Tuesday. Their lack of attendance and the slow progress on the project prompted the magistrate to take decisive measures.

During the review, it was revealed that a crucial 207-metre-long pipeline in zone-1 had not been laid as scheduled, with the deadline set by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) having lapsed. The district magistrate expressed his dissatisfaction with the company’s performance and directed the immediate imposition of a fine of Rs 40 crore. Furthermore, he instructed Secretary Jeteta to determine the responsibilities of the company concerning these delays.

The meeting further highlighted that VA Tech Wabag had not lifted sludge since June, exacerbating the situation. In response, the magistrate ordered Secretary Jeteta to issue a show cause notice to the company, warning against any recurrence of such negligence. Emphasizing the importance of adhering to environmental standards, Jitendra Pratap Singh reprimanded VA Tech Wabag for its failure in sludge management.

Financial and Environmental Implications

This project, funded by the Government of India at an estimated cost of Rs 600 crore, is vital for the industrial and environmental development of the Kanpur region. The original completion deadline for the project is set for October 31, 2024. Upon its completion, it is expected to make significant contributions toward reducing pollution levels in the district.

The district magistrate has also tasked Secretary Jeteta with preparing a comprehensive report that outlines all challenges affecting the CETP’s operations. This report is to be forwarded to the Namami Gange Project office to facilitate a swift resolution to the ongoing issues.

The actions taken by the district magistrate underscore the urgency of maintaining project timelines and adhering to environmental regulations in the face of such delays. The outcomes of this situation will likely have lasting implications for both the company and the local community, which is keenly awaiting the project’s completion.