Latest news with #MioOka
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Asian Development Bank to help Odisha secure Urban Challenge Fund
BHUBANESWAR: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will assist the Odisha government in accessing the Centre's Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), created to encourage states to pursue sustainable urbanisation and redevelopment of existing cities. In the Union Budget 2025-26, an allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore for the UCF was announced to support initiatives such as developing cities as growth hubs, creative city redevelopment, and improving water and sanitation facilities to foster sustainable and inclusive urban development across states. According to sources in the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department, an ADB team led by country director Mio Oka recently met principal secretary of the H&UD department Usha Padhee and expressed willingness to assist in securing UCF funds, as well as provide technical assistance and knowledge support for Odisha's evolving urban needs. In the meeting, the strengthening technical collaboration between ADB and the H&UD department in key areas of urban transformation to promote sustainable city growth and enhance liveability in Odisha's urban centres, was also discussed. Both sides stressed the importance of integrated planning, innovative financing, and capacity building to address future urban challenges and improve the quality of life in the state's cities, officials said.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Fresh govt push for water supply project with ADB backing
New Delhi: In a step towards strengthening the city's urban water infrastructure, BJP govt gave an in-principle approval to restart Delhi Water Supply Improvement Investment Programme for the command area of the Wazirabad water treatment plant, with renewed support from Asian Development Bank (ADB). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The move will upgrade water treatment processes using ceramic membrane filtration, biological ammonia removal and modern monitoring systems. It will lead to the improvement of water service delivery for residents in several areas, including Burari, Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, Model Town, Punjabi Bagh, Shakur Basti, Jahangirpuri, Peeragarhi, Avantika, Pitampura and surrounding localities. Originally conceptualised under Delhi Water Supply Master Plan 2021, drafted in 2011, the project was intended to modernise the water distribution network, significantly reduce losses and ensure a 24x7 supply to critical parts of the city. The plan included upgrading outdated pipelines, introducing advanced water treatment technologies and enhancing service delivery for citizens. The office of the water minister said that despite ADB's readiness to partner and invest in Delhi's future, the previous AAP govt chose not to proceed with the financial collaboration. "Its decision to deprioritise structured international funding led to the withdrawal of ADB's support in 2020, causing unnecessary delays and derailing much-needed improvements in the city's water supply network," it added. AAP didn't comment on the allegation. The department stated minister Parvesh Verma met Mio Oka, country director of ADB's India Resident Mission, and an in-principle agreement was reached to revive and restructure the project for contemporary needs. ADB expressed its willingness to extend technical expertise, international best practices and structured financial support once again, it said. ADB, a leading multilateral development institution, has a strong record of supporting urban infrastructure projects globally, including water supply reforms, energy projects and transport modernisation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The key objectives of the renewed project include ensuring 24x7 water supply in the WTP command areas. It will also reduce non-revenue water by enhancing leak detection, pipeline rehabilitation and pressure management, the department said. Verma said, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, BJP govt is committed to fast-tracking critical infrastructure projects. Delhi cannot afford to lose opportunities for growth and modernisation due to political hesitation." He added, "Where earlier govts chose to delay development, we have chosen to move forward decisively." The next immediate steps involve updating technical designs, preparing fresh detailed project reports, defining a robust financial structure and setting new timelines for project execution. "Governance reforms will be implemented through real-time monitoring, citizen grievance redressal mechanisms and transparent performance reporting," said a senior official. Govt will ensure that international expertise is fully leveraged to design a sustainable, resilient and citizen-centric water supply network, he added.
