Suggestions to avoid delays in new city planning

By Raju Lamichhane,Rukum West, May 2: Locals have complained about delays in completing projects and programmes under the New City Project being implemented in Chaurjahari, Rukum West. 

During a discussion held on Wednesday among stakeholders regarding the projects put forward by the Chaurjahari Urban Development Committee and the New City Project Office, the locals urged the authorities not to delay the planning process.

Milan Acharya, Project Director at the New City Project Coordination Office, expressed commitment to prioritising the plans and programmes. After local stakeholders raised concerns and provided suggestions regarding the delay in the project’s implementation and lack of budget, he said that completing the incomplete projects remained their top priority. 

He also informed that the overall budget has been decreasing every year from the higher authorities. Highlighting that among the 10 new cities initiated by the government, Chaurjahari has made notable progress, he said efforts would be made to accelerate the pace of the work.

In the programme, Ganesh Prasad Sharma of Chaurjahari Municipality–1 said that there has been a delay in completing the Ghari Gaun land pooling project, which was started at the beginning of the initiative. 

He said that although land acquisition from locals began in 

2072 BS (2015/16), it has not been completed to date. 

Local Ghurka Budhathoki said that the office has been unable to carry out work effectively due to the declining budget every year. He stressed the need to ensure sufficient budget for the timely completion of the 

remaining work.

Sher Prasad Dhakal, Acting Chief Administrative Officer of Chaurjahari Municipality, gave a presentation on the physical and financial progress of the projects under the initiative and the priorities of the Urban Development Committee. 

He pointed out the decreasing size of the annual budget, delays in road blacktopping and frequent changes in office leadership. He also highlighted the committee’s works, challenges in completing the land pooling project, and its priorities in developing Chaurjahari as a beautiful city.

In the programme, Gauri Pandit, Head of the New City Project Office in Chaurjahari, provided information about the projects, budget and progress. 

Chairperson of the Chaurjahari Urban Development Committee and Mayor Pushpa Wadi said that Chaurjahari is being developed as a model and new city and efforts are underway to make it a sustainable city. 

He urged that work should not be delayed any further, pointing out that activities from higher-level authorities have slowed down the pace of development.