MoU between AV Foundation and the CPWD
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on March 15, 2022 between the Auroville Foundation and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), the official construction Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on March 15, 2022 between the Auroville Foundation and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), the official construction agency of the Government of India. The scope of work is not clear since the announcement, made by the CPWD on its social media pages (Facebook and Twitter), only states “for the execution of Projects related to Making of Auroville City, Tamil Nadu”. The Foundation Office has not made any post on this topic. The Working Committee has asked the TDC for a copy of the MoU and what projects are included.
Meanwhile, the Water Group received an update about sludge from Elaine of TDC which states: “The long-term sludge solution will be taken up with the CPWD (Infrastructure) and Prakit will take over the management of the program. Currently, there are 6 CPWD projects in the pipeline and Fecal sludge management is one of the six.” The outsourcing of projects to the government’s public works department without the knowledge of the Residents’ Assembly is cause for deep concern, as it demonstrates the unwillingness of the AVFO to consult and collaborate with Aurovilians regarding the building of the city. Foundation Office has not made any post on this topic. The Working Committee has asked the TDC for a copy of the MoU and what projects are included.