‘Drink from Tap’ to get Rs.326.30cr financial assistance
Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has reviewed the implementation and progress of key urban development initiatives and infrastructure projects in the State https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
He reviewed the comprehensive development plans of urban schemes of MoHUA such as Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT & AMRUT 2.0), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U & PMAY-U 2.0), Smart Cities Mission (SCM), Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U & SBM-U 2.0), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) and PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
He has agreed to consider special assistance for 24×7 water supply ‘Drink from Tap’ (DfT) (Project cost about Rs.652.61 crore) special financial assistance of Rs.326.30 crore minimum for Water Source Augmentation, Infrastructure Development, Rehabilitation of Existing Network, pilot Drink-from-Tap projects including smart metering, IoT and SCADA-based monitoring systems to the State under AMRUT 2.0.
Also, CM Sawant, joined by Vishwajit Rane, Goa’s Minister for Urban Development, Town & Country Planning, requested to consider Goa’s unique urban challenges, particularly due to the significantly high volume of tourist inflow placing additional burden on civic infrastructure. They had requested that the State be considered as a special case for enhanced and expedited support under both AMRUT 2.0 and SBM-U 2.0.
The Minister agreed and instructed the concerned official for necessary policy changes in the tourist states, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) said on 12 May after the Panaji meeting https://ted.europa.eu/en/.
“In the spirit of cooperative federalism, the Centre and the State are working closely to expedite priority projects for the overall development of the State and are also coordinating to resolve the major challenges and pending issues,” it added.
Manohar Lal emphasized the need to develop, improve infrastructure and promote sustainable urbanisation through strategic planning and public-private partnerships https://www.nseindia.com/.
He also advised the State to complete all pending works related to water supply (new/service tap connections and new/service sewer connections) under AMRUT; revision of action plan, expedite tendering work for toilets (community toilets, public toilets, aspirational toilets, urinals), Solid Waste Management, STP/co-treatment facilities under SBM; submit proposals, inform and educate citizens about PMAY-U 2.0 to get benefits of affordable housing; profile Street Vendors under PM SVANidhi, clear eligible loan applications and increase women participation.
The Minister also directed the State to submit proposal for PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. He also reviewed the progress under Smart Cities and DAY-NULM https://www.bseindia.com/.
He noted that Goa, as a prominent tourist hub and a rapidly growing state, is witnessing significant progress in urban development. He provided guidelines for effective planning and proper implementation of urban schemes under MoHUA to promote development and enhance ease of living for the people https://sbi.com.in/.
Manohar Lal, who is also the Power Minister, emphasized at the meeting the need to accelerate the pace of smart metering, which has the potential to revolutionize consumer engagement with DISCOMs through data analytics and AI/ML tools.
“Prioritizing saturation of smart meters in Government offices, colonies, commercial and industrial units, and high-load consumers will help ensure digitization and improved service delivery,” Manohar Lal noted.
He also encouraged the state to consider the possibility of establishing a nuclear power facility as a long-term measure for energy security and sustainability. Fiinews.com
