New Delhi: As the city grapples with water scarcity, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung today said Delhi Government will take technical help from specialists from across the globe to set up a 40 MGD water treatment plant.
“There is a plan to take technical help from specialists from across the globe to give a new lease of life to Yamuna river. Water treatment plants will be started at Pappankalan, Nilothi, Yamuna Vihar and Delhi Gate.
With technical help from Singapore Government, there is a plan to set up 40 MGD water treatment plants as well,” he said after unfurling the tricolour at Chhatrasal Stadium in Model Town as part of 68th Independence Day celebrations.
Plans have been made to make potable water available, Jung said, adding, that by saving 80 MGD water from Munak Haiderpur Canal, capacity of potable water will be increased and the construction work of Renuka Dam will also be sped up.
Besides, the Lt Governor said a detailed report has been prepared by the Empowered Committee to find solutions to provide clean air and water to the citizens of Delhi.
“To make Delhi pollution free, suggestions given in the report, will be adopted and implemented in a mission mode, he said.
Jung said that efforts are being made to keep Delhi green and according to the recent survey, there has been an increase of 3.61 kms in the forest cover of Delhi.
There are about 20,000 parks and gardens in Delhi and the state government has set a target of planing 11 lakh trees with the help of citizens of Delhi, school children, resident welfare associations and NGOs.
“Delhi Government is working hard to encourage the use of alternative energy. This year, nine solar units have been set up in different parts of Delhi and 10 more will be set up in the near future,” he said.
To meet the increasing demands for electricity, the Lt Governor said that detailed plan has been prepared for which funds have already been allocated. Delhi Government has also decided to extend subsidy for domestic consumers.
A road map has been prepared to curb corruption and make systems more transparent and answerable, he said. Being the highest earners, Delhiites have emerged as the highest contributor to the Indian economy, Jung said.
“It is pertinent to mention that Delhi has the highest per capita income in the country. Besides, there has been growth in our economy and the state income of Delhi is almost double of the national income,” Jung said.
“The Government of Delhi wants progress for all sections of society, especially those belonging to weaker sections. The Government has made a provision of 67 per cent of its budget toward social welfare,” Jung said.
He also said that in today's world, education and technology play a pivotal role in the progress and development of any society.
On the education front, he said that new buildings will come up for Saheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies and Deen Dayal Upadhyay College in the current year. He further added that in order to encourage students to develop their skills, all the students of Delhi University will be granted scholarship under the “Yuva Nirman Yojna”.
Similarly, for the students belonging to weaker sections, “Technical Education Community Outreach Scheme” is being launched.
Jung also announced setting up seven shelter homes across the city.
“Government is making all efforts to provide toilet facilities for the residents residing in slums. We are also making efforts to provide flats to people belonging to economically weaker sections. Seven new night shelters will also be set-up in the coming year,” he said.
He said that Delhi Government is also alert towards the health of its citizens. Due emphasis has been laid on public health, health issues related to mother and children and other diseases arising out of modern life-style.
The Lt Governor remembered the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion and paid homage to him.
“He gave a new direction to the Freedom Movement and laid a strong foundation for an independent India. He not only freed us from British rule but also unchained us from the bonds which had tied the country down to old ways of being.
“He gave us the lesson of self-governance, based on tolerance and self-discipline. Sincerity and honesty towards one's duty and comprehensive welfare for all, can help turn Bapu's dream into a reality,” Jung said.
He further said that for the last 67 years, we have been working hard to make India into a great Nation and that the dream of a free and independent India inspires us even today.
“The world is changing rapidly and throws ever newer challenges before us. We will need to address these challenges as we go on our path towards growth and development for all,” Jung said.
He also payed tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Nation.
“Today we are celebrating that hard won freedom and independence. I pay my tribute to every soldier who fought for the freedom of the country and wrested our freedom from the British rule. I also pay my tribute to the army troops, para-military forces and police personnel who have laid down their lives while fighting at the borders and in other parts of the country.”
The Lt Governor also presented the Jeevan Rakshak Padak to Master Ashish for saving lives of three boys from drowning. Further, he informed that 36 lakh people have benefited from the National Food Security Act. All eligible eneficiaries will be included in this scheme in the near future.
He said that a decision has been taken to increase the number of beneficiaries of Old Age Pension Scheme from 3.90 lakh to 4.30 lakh. For the welfare of workers, an increase has been made in the minimum wages of the workers, which is the highest in the country.
