Karnataka - Bangalore

`Ensure all projects are eco-friendly'

Staff Reporter

CPWD has to prove its worth in new market conditions, says Jaipal Reddy

TRADITIONAL WELCOME: Union Minister for Urban Development S. Jaipal Reddy being received at the inauguration of Type III and Type IV Quarters developed by CPWD in Bangalore on Sunday. — Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

Bangalore: "The high rise quarters of general pool residential accommodation has all the facilities sans frills," said Union Minister for Urban Development Jaipal Reddy after inaugurating the Type III and Type IV quarters here on Sunday.

The complex, developed by Central Public Works Department (CPWD), has all the facilities required in a model residential colony, such as good roads, landscaped gardens, children's park, an open-air auditorium and a mini shopping complex.

"The accommodation we have is just one-third of our requirement. We have acquired 18 acres of land at Jalahalli and will soon put it to good use by constructing a similar complex there," Mr. Reddy said.

He also said that the construction industry was the largest employer after agriculture. With the economy growing at 7.5 per cent to 8 per cent, the standard of living was increasing. The slightly well off common man now wanted to own a house, which was why the turnover of the construction industry was almost Rs. 2,50,000 crores, he said. "Industrial Revolution changed everything around the world. At the beginning of the 18th century, the population in urban areas was just two per cent. Now, the figure stands at 30 per cent," Mr. Reddy said.

The CPWD had taken care of the requirements of government employees and was facing competition from private industries. "The CPWD has to prove its worth in the new market conditions. For this, the mindset and work culture of our officials have to undergo a change," he said. Mr. Reddy said that the CPWD should make sure that all the projects taken up are environment-friendly, by incorporating rainwater harvesting and using energy-efficient devices.

The Central Government Employees' Organisations submitted a memorandum to Mr. Reddy. They urged him to upgrade Bangalore to A-1 city for the payment of house rent allowance to Union Government employees. S.M. Acharya, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development, spoke. B. Majumdar, Director-General of Works of CPWD, welcomed the gathering. K. Srinivasan, Additional Director-General (Southern Region), CPWD, presented a report. S. Chinnaswamy, Chief Engineer (South Zone), proposed a vote of thanks.

K.K. Sharma, Chief Engineer (E), and Subhash Kapoor, chief architect (WR), were present.

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