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India Gazette
a day ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar meets President Asian Development Bank Masato Kanda
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar and the Asian Development Bank President, Mr. Masato Kanda met today at Shram Shakti Bhawan to discuss ADB's unflagging support and investment in the Indian Urbanisation, said a release from the Ministry of Power. According to the release, the meeting emphasised ADB's past support extended to various developing sectors and highlighted potential areas of investment to achieve the glorious vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. Union Minister Lal and President Kanda discussed a range of issues, addressing India's development in Mass Transit Systems, Inclusive Housing, Urban Sanitation and Infrastructure, Urban Governance and Reforms, among other topics. The Hon'ble Minister shed light on the expanse of the development boom experienced by the mobility sector, as successful models of Multi-Modal Transit Systems are being deployed and scaled up throughout the country. According to the release, the Minister emphasised the significant progress made under key flagship missions such as Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, and PMAY-Urban, and underscored the opportunity for ADB to align its investments with India's urban development agenda to advance the shared vision of creating sustainable, inclusive, and connected cities. ADB's President, Kanda, congratulated India for the steadfast growth witnessed in the Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) and called the progress impressive. He also commended on how the Rail Network tactfully managed air pollution, transportation and social challenges, and how it is a matter of immense pride to be associated with the project. Continuing on this pattern of growth, the President advised how such efforts can be amplified by using integrated planning and holistic development, ensuring the involvement of private players equipped to deploy innovation on the ground for path-breaking results. As per the release, both officials discussed the importance of the Urban Challenge Fund being forward-looking in its design, with strong support from municipal corporations to improve the bankability of projects. The Minister appreciated ADB's collaboration in developing knowledge frameworks aligned with the priorities outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26. The Fund envisions cities as Growth Hubs, serving as blueprints for transforming water, sanitation, and waste services in 100 Indian cities. The Minister also expressed interest in ADB initiating demonstration projects that could serve as lighthouse models for future urban development. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Housing and Urban Affairs, with an expression of appreciation for ADB's partnership and commitment. (ANI)


Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
MC updates Centre on 24x7 UT water project
1 2 Chandigarh: The municipal corporation on Thursday provided a detailed briefing to the ministry of finance and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), a French development agency, regarding the current status of the 24x7 water supply project in the city. The session, led by the municipal commissioner, focused on the project's implementation progress, ongoing works, and the upcoming action plan. During the briefing, officials highlighted that the long-term technical assistance (LTTA) contract commenced in Feb 2024. Also, that the contract for the upgradation of Kajauli water works was awarded in Aug 2024. It was noted that the preparation of the design-build-operate (DBO) tender documents has been delayed since April 2024. This delay is attributed to a complete renewal of the project team and the absence of a dedicated project director since Oct 2024. As a result, decision-making processes have been significantly hindered, leading to substantial delays in project execution. The team also clarified that Kajauli water works will be funded under the AMRUT scheme. Taking into account inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, the current budget is expected to be sufficient for the successful implementation of the project, including the integration of 13 villages, in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Also, the credit facility agreement (CFA) and grant facility agreement (GFA) between AFD and the department of economic affairs (DEA) were signed in Sep and Nov 2022, respectively. The project agreement between AFD and the MC was finalised in Dec 2022. The meeting, held in New Delhi, also included discussions on similar projects and developments in other states and Union Territories.


The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nagercoil Corporation's drinking water tax, deposit hike draws flak
Following the footsteps of Tirunelveli Corporation, the urban civic body of Nagercoil has also resolved to steeply hike the water tax only to draw the public ire and stiff resistance from the politicians affiliated to the AIADMK and the BJP. In the council meeting held here on Tuesday, the Corporation decided to increase the drinking water connection deposit and the monthly tax based on the plinth area of the houses or the commercial establishments. The AIADMK and the BJP councillors walked out of the council meeting in protest. Kanniyakumari MLA and former minister N. Thalavai Sundaram of AIADMK has criticised the Corporation's decision to upwardly revise the water tax and the deposits for getting drinking water connection He said in a statement that residents of the newly annexed areas like Thengampudhur in Kanniyakumari Assembly constituency and Aalur in Colachel Assembly segment would also have to pay this hiked tax and the deposit even though no project for giving drinking water connections to the residents had been implemented in these two areas under the AMRUT scheme. Terming the Corporation's decision as 'anti-people', Mr. Thalavai Sundaram said the Stalin-led Tamil Nadu Government, after 'torturing the public' by hiking power tariff, property tax, vacant land tax etc., had landed another punch on the face of the public in the form of water tax increase. As per the Nagercoil Corporation's decision, ₹5,000 would be collected as deposit from a house built with the plinth area of 600 square feet and this amount would be ₹10,000 for government offices, commercial establishments, factories and the educational institutions. When the plinth area goes up to 601 and 1,200 the deposit would be ₹7,500 and ₹15,000 respectively for houses and other non-residential establishments. And, the deposit would be ₹10,000 for houses and ₹20,000 for other structures (from 1,201 sq ft to 1,800 ₹12,000 for houses and ₹25,000 for other structures (from 1,801 sq ft to 2,400 The monthly drinking water tax has also been revised. While ₹120 a month will be collected for 10,000 litres of water a month from the houses, others will have to pay ₹360 a month. For every 1,000 litre over the 10,000 litre, ₹18 will be collected and this amount will be ₹54 for other non-residential establishments. This amount will increase based on the plinth area of the property from ₹140 a month (600 for houses to ₹180 a month (2,400 And, the amount to be collected for every 1,000 litre water consumed over the 10,000 litres will attract more tax ranging up to ₹27 per every 1,000 litre. 'The resolution passed by the Nagercoil Corporation on Tuesday will also compel those who have already paid the deposit to give the revised deposit amount. The people, who have been hit hard by inflation and the unprecedented hike in other taxes and tariff, will put an end to this atrocity very soon,' Mr. Thalavai Sundaram said.


Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Complete all road repair work, clear debris by May 31 or face action: NMC Commissioner
1 2 Nagpur: With the monsoon looming, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari has warned contractors that they must complete all road repair works by May 31 or face strict action, including hefty fines. He also made it clear that no department or agency will be permitted to carry out road digging works during the monsoon season. "If any department undertakes such activities, police complaints will be filed against them," said Chaudhari during a review meeting held at NMC headquarters in Civil Lines on Tuesday. He also warned that action would be taken against any NMC engineers found negligent in their duties. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the completion of roadworks across different parts of the city, where digging was carried out for sewer lines, drinking water pipelines, and other purposes. Superintendent engineer Shweta Banerjee provided details on the progress of sewer line and water pipeline works, particularly under AMRUT Phase 2. She reported 78.94% of the project work was completed. Out of the total 40.96 km of feeder line and water pipeline laying work, 32.33 km was completed, while 8.63 km remains unfinished. The commissioner instructed all contractors to expedite and complete the remaining work without delay. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like O novo dispositivo que os idosos usam para ajudar na neuropatia (dor nos nervos) A arte do herbalismo Undo Chaudhari noted that several contractors were using insufficient manpower, leading to delays, and warned that if the work is not finished before the monsoon, contractors will face serious consequences. Chaudhari also warned that no debris or garbage heaps should be left on the roads. The responsibility for clearing this debris also lies with the contractors, and this must be completed by May 31. The NMC sanitation department has been directed to inspect whether the debris has been cleared, and any contractors found guilty of negligence will face heavy fines, said Chaudhari.


Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
CM Revanth has no work except to indulge in Modi-bashing: BJP
Hyderabad: BJP spokesperson Amaranath Sarangula criticised Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy that he has nothing better to do than make outrageous claims about the actions of the central government and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to support the development of Telangana. In a media address on Monday, Sarangula pointed out that CM Revanth Reddy has been in office for 16 months but has not laid a single brick for any new projects. He questioned Reddy's slogan, 'Young India is my brand,' asking whether he had constructed even one wall for the proposed Skills University. Sarangula emphasised that Hyderabad requires special attention, noting, 'Potholes are prevalent on roads in areas valued at Rs 100 crore per acre, under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).' He criticised the GHMC, stating that despite the state introducing a budget of Rs 3 lakh crore, it remains in poor condition and has failed to fully utilise its funds, with only Rs 3,000 crore allocated. He highlighted a recent tragedy, where 17 people lost their lives in a fire near Charminar. He said that the fire department's budget was only Rs 10 crore. Sarangula pointed out that the fire brigade took an hour and a half to arrive at the scene, questioning, 'Is this what we call governance? There is no opportunity for development under the Congress party's rule, which leads only to destruction, demolitions, and farmer suicides.' Further, he lamented that in Hyderabad, 'all we see is the demolition of poor people's homes instead of their development.' He challenged Revanth Reddy to build at least one park and restore at least one pond. Sarangula expressed concern about the indifference of the government towards the operations of the water mafia in Hyderabad, noting that even a small amount of rain results in roads overflowing with sewage water, negatively impacting the properties of the poor. He accused the Chief Minister of making misguided statements without a proper understanding of central funding. The state is required to contribute at least 30-40 per cent to schemes like AMRUT and Smart City. Yet Congress leaders mislead the public by claiming that the Centre withheld funds, ignoring that the state has not invested a single rupee. Sarangula demanded that the government release a white paper detailing the funds allocated for central schemes. He emphasised that Hyderabad has a rich history and a promising future, urging the state government to wake up and actively participate in the city's development, partnering with the central government on ongoing initiatives.