
TN to take up 3,360 cr worth sewerage projects in 14 corps
The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0), launched in Oct 2021, aims to ensure universal access to basic urban services such as water supply, sewerage, and sanitation. In TN, cities including Tirunelveli, Vellore, Dindigul, Salem, Cuddalore, and Nagercoil will benefit from the ongoing sewerage work.
More than 3,000 km of sewer pipelines will be laid, along with new sewage pumping stations, enabling over five lakh households to shift from septic tanks to a direct underground drainage (UGD) network.
Officials from the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department said the works are expected to begin within a month and will take around two years for completion across districts. "Deadlines vary by corporation. The UGD network will also help prevent pollution of local rivers," said a senior official.
In total, more than 60 local bodies in TN have received project approvals under AMRUT 2.0, with a sanctioned cost of 14,688 crore, including 4,942 crore in central assistance.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
8 hours ago
- Business Standard
Panel urges 'Make in India' push to protect leather products, boost exports
A parliamentary standing committee on commerce has recommended that the government take proactive measures to promote the 'Make in India' brand for traditional Indian leather products to help them achieve global recognition and prevent their imitation by international brands, as in the recent case of Kolhapuri chappals. 'The Committee recommends that the Department take proactive measures to promote the 'Make in India' brand for traditional Indian leather products. This will help gain global recognition for these products, safeguard the rights of local artisans, and prevent their imitation or misuse by international brands as was reported in the case of Kolhapuri chappals,' it said. Italian luxury fashion label Prada's Spring/Summer 2026 collection featured models wearing footwear resembling Kolhapuri chappals during Milan Fashion Week in June. It did not credit India as the source of inspiration. However, in July, a team from the luxury brand visited Maharashtra's Kolhapur to understand the craft of making Kolhapuri footwear. The committee also recommended that the 'Focus Product Scheme for Footwear and Leather Sectors', announced in the Union Budget, be finalised and implemented at the earliest with 'unambiguous and practical guidelines'. 'The scheme should take a complete view of the sector by supporting all parts of the value chain, including components, design and machinery for both leather and non-leather footwear. To make the scheme more effective, the Department should set up regular reviews, encourage better coordination between agencies and applicants, and create a support system to address challenges faced during implementation,' the report said. India's leather industry is highly labour intensive, generating employment for over 4.42 million people, with 40 per cent of them being women. The committee also suggested leveraging existing free trade agreements (FTAs) with Japan, Australia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to increase exports of leather and leather products, while prioritising new trade agreements with key markets such as the European Union (EU). The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) announced in the Union Budget earlier this year can play a pivotal role in undertaking large-scale export promotion activities in major markets and exploring potential markets, the report said.


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Goa spent just about 50% of AMRUT funds to rejuvenate urban infrastructure
Panaji: Goa succeeded in spending just over half of the funds sanctioned under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 mission to improve water supply, according to data released by the Housing and Urban Affairs. The AMRUT 2.0 dashboard indicates that Goa has undertaken projects under the AMRUT mission in Bicholim, Curchorem, Mapusa, Panaji, Valpoi and Sanquelim. Data shows that the housing and urban affairs ministry approved projects aimed at providing universal coverage of water supply worth Rs 138.35 crore, out of which works worth Rs 70.45 crore were completed. Ministry data tabled in Parliament shows that 48% of the funds meant for sewerage and septage management in the state capital have been spent to date. The Union ministry approved projects worth Rs 21.26 crore for sewerage projects, but state managed to spend just Rs 10.3 crore. The Centre's flagship AMRUT 2.0 scheme was launched in Oct 2021 for a five-year period and is supposed to be wrapped up this financial year. The data shows that Goa submitted utilisation certificates for just Rs 15.76 crore that was spent. The Centre has listed 85 projects under AMRUT 2.0 in Goa. The AMRUT 2.0 scheme aims to improve the quality of life for the poor and disadvantaged. MoS housing and urban affairs Tokhan Sahu told Parliament that assessment and monitoring of work done under AMRUT in the states is ongoing, with a provision for independent review and monitoring. 'In order to fast-track the implementation of AMRUT 2.0, the progress is periodically reviewed and monitored through regular video conferences, webinars, workshops, and site visits,' he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Planning to Study in the U.S.? Here's everything student travellers need to know from visa guidelines to new changes
home to some reputed universities in the world and has been attracting global students for a long time now. However, in 2025 there have been some major policy shifts that have impacted the education industry as a whole. The U.S. policy makers have made a lot of changes. From making social media accounts public and pausing and resuming visa interviews to offering fixed-term eligibility under proposal, and increasing visa fees, the changes are endless and confusing too. So let's try to understand the new changes: Make Social Media Public Amid several ongoing changes, the U.S. asked students wanting to study in American universities to make their social media profiles public because public persona matters. The new change was implemented from June 18, 2025. So now, applicants for F (academic), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visas should submit their social media accounts and set their accounts on public mode. The officers will check and scrutinise posts and other shared content of the applicants. This year, the federal government updated visa vetting and processing policies. Let's have a look at why it matters and how is it going to impact students: The new changes The Department of State in 2025 announced the plans of expanding visa screening. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: Unsold Sofas at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo It very clearly mentioned the applicants' online presence matter to the 'getting whole visa' process calling it a part of consular vetting. The Department called it an 'expanded screening and vetting' process. The Department of State also updated its interview-waiver guidance. It changed to which applicants may be eligible for an in-person interview waiver. The Department also narrowed categories eligible for waiver in several cases. It means that more visa applicants should expect to attend an in-person interview unless they meet the specific waiver criteria. How will these changes impact students? Increased documentation and strict review : The new changes mean more documentations and a strict review process. The reviewers can request more personal information. They can also look beyond transcripts and bank statements and survey the applicant's public online history and activity. More in-person questions during the interview : With the new interview-waiver rules, applicants should expect to attend consular interviews. Expect delays. Expect changes to authorized stay : If U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finalises a fixed-term admission rule, the way students' authorized stay is calculated would also change in future. It will affect program planning, transfers, and some employment authorizations tied to enrollment length. This is a significant move as it can change the 'duration of status' system—where F visas remain valid as long as students maintain course enrollment. What current applicants/students must keep in mind Keep checking official sites only : The potential applicants must keep themselves updated with current changes on the official websites of the State Department, DHS/ICE (SEVP), and USCIS. These pages are for authoritative updates rather than unofficial commentary. Official pages have guidance, timelines, and eligibility rules as well. Do not trust any other website. Keep your record clean : Now that it is mandatory to keep your social media profile open, it is necessary for applicants to keep their record clean and monitor their online presence. Also remember that officials will only believe public information and official records. Apply early and book interviews : It is important to maintain the timeline. Apply early and book interviews as there are higher chances of required in-person interviews. Schedule embassy or consulate appointments the moment you get your Form I-20 or DS-2019. Allow buffer time : Keep extra or buffer time for program completion and other administrative steps. Keep copies of all documents and paperwork. Now that U.S. agencies are more concerned about vetting and tightening the conditions, expect delays and keep extra time and other options ready. These changes are official and mentioned on DHS/SEVP, and USCIS guidance. Keep in touch with your universities who can offer better explanations and guidance. ( Official sources used here include : U.S. Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, ICE SEVP (SEVIS and program guidance), and USCIS (student classifications and employment rules).