UJJAIN, July 2, 2013: More than two years after the state government announced to undertake various development works in the town of Ujjain for Simhastha-2016, preparations for the mega event appear tardy and caught in red tapism.

This claim can be ascertained by the fact that with just three years to go for the mela, the proposed master plan for various development works is yet to be finalized.

Divisional commissioner Arun Pandey admitted that the pace of work was not satisfactory. He said, the draft plan presented has been returned for modifications and to include more aspects.

Works like building new bridges, road widening, renovation of temples and ghats at river Kshipra and others are yet to see the light of the day. The mela attracts lakhs of devotees.

To avoid eleventh hour preparations which hamper the quality of work and cause unnecessary trouble to devotees, the chief minister had announced that the work would begin by 2011.

Prepared draft of master plan has some basic flaws. For example, the Simhastha notified area is 2,200 hectares but the area actually surveyed by the administration is only 500 hectares.

Construction on zero point railway overbridge has begun but at least seven other bridges including some on river Kshipra are still waiting for approvals and sanctions.

The officials are also concerned over stalling of works when the model code of conduct comes into play later this year during elections.

To avoid eleventh hour preparations, the chief minister had announced that the work would begin by 2011.

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 2, 2013.