DW BUREAU / PATIALA Once regarded as a curse for people of Patiala, Badi and Chhoti Nadi, would soon be seen as beautiful recreational places after completion of the ongoing transformation work of both the rivers. Presently, both the water channels were limited to source of drainage, the stench of sewage was also a big problem. To convert both these water channels into beautiful places of the heritage city, the dream project of Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh with the concerted efforts of Patiala MP Preneet Kaur is underway and being closely monitored by the both to get it complete on time. As per the details of the project launched in October last year , the level of pollution in both the rivers to be eliminated completely by intercepting the domestic and industrial waste flowing into these two rivers. Two STPs of 26 and 15 MLDs capacity for treating domestic waste and one ETP of 2.5 MLD for treating industrial waste water would come up by December 2022. Half of the construction would be done by March 2022, said Davinder Singh, Chief Engineer, Drainage. Clear water storage in Badi Nadi through check dams with automatic tilting gates/flap gates would also be created besides developing Chotti Nadi as a place for recreational activities for the public with green parks, walkways, cycle track, landscaping etc. Strengthening both water channels to enhance its capacity in order to carry more flood water, is also a part of the project. The work on Chhoti Nadi has been going on full swing as the laying of sewerage network alongside Chhoti Nadi has been completed by 60 percent besides construction of a major part of walkways and Cycle track. Remaining work of Sewerage laying is likely to be completed by the end of December 2021. The work on walkway, boundary wall and fencing has been started, said Davinder Singh Chief Engineer, Water Resources and Drainage, adding that storm water pipe laying in Chotti Nadi RD 4650-850 m has been 60 percent completed. Similarly, pipe laying at Tafazalpura drain is completed and earth work on Badi Nadi has been started. Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit who is supervising the development projects regularly to get them complete in stipulated time, said the rejuvenation and beautification of both the rivers would prove another asset to the heritage status of the royal city Patiala. He expressed hope that once a water course that was the cause of flood in the city, would soon emerge as a beautiful recreational point. (editor@dailyworld.in)