Gorewada project to be sped up

NAGPUR: In what can be called as a move to expedite the lingering Gorewada international zoo project in the city, the post of director, 'Project Gorewada', has been brought under the control of principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), wildlife, Maharashtra.
Till now, the director used to report directly to the principal secretary (forests) but now he will have to report through the PCCF (wildlife).The decision is expected to give a big boost to the already delayed project which was announced in 2005, but has hardly gained momentum in last three years. The cost of the project is Rs 550 crore but till date, only Rs 22.50 lakh were granted for preparing master plan, database of flora and fauna and beautification works.
Although the decision was taken by the state government on January 23, the orders to this effect were received at 'Van Bhavan' only three days ago. When contacted, B Majumdar, PCCF, wildlife, confirmed he had received the orders in this regard. “I had never asked for it and the decision has been taken at the government level.” On the issue of retendering process of master plan for the zoo, the chief wildlife warden said, “We'll submit the revised tender to the government soon.”
This means that the government has rejected Singapore-based Bernard Harrison and Friends for preparing the master plan. The TOI had earlier reported that the finance department had raised objections to offering tender to Bernard. The department had also objected to the post of director working under the direct control of principal secretary (forests), surpassing both the PCCFs.
Talking to TOI, Jarnail Singh, director, 'Project Gorewada', said, “It's true that government has issued instructions to report through PCCF (wildlife). We're preparing the conditions for the retendering of the master plan and I hope, within a month, the process would kickstart.” Jarnail Singh, who took over the reins as director in May 2007, was given independent charge of the zoo project on August 10, 2007. The latest letter issued by the government states that all the crucial issues pertaining to grants, tendering process of master plan, establishing co-ordination between various institutions and authorities would now wrest with the wildlife PCCF.
According to forest department sources, the terms and conditions have already been approved by the law and judiciary department. In the new retendering process, two envelopes — pre-qualification and offer — would be invited. Giving an offer to any firm would be decided on the basis of pre-qualification bid. The officials said, they now expect the project would gain momentum.
vijay.pinjarkar@timesgroup.com