BMC draws up Rs 2026 cr plan for AMRUT scheme

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Aug 18:

While nine cities of Odisha are to be included under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has prepared Service Level Implementation Plan (SLIP) with a play outlay of Rs 2026 crore.

BMC plans to invest the money to improvise the infrastructure in key areas such as drinking water supply and sewage, drainage of accumulated water, urban transport, forestation and improvement of city parks.

“Round the clock water supply is our priority. To ensure water for all, we need Rs 869.89 crore . As it would not be possible for the state government to shell out such a huge amount at a time, we have planned to take up the work with private participation.  We are going to implement the project in a specific area under BMC for 2-3 years and based on the observation the project would be implemented in the entire city,” said BMC Commissioner Krishan Kumar.

As per BMC sources, apart from water supply, BMC would also spend Rs 665.88 crore for sewerage and drainage construction, maintenance and drainage of accumulated water. Besides, 10.8 crore would be spent for construction of nine foot over bridges, Rs 35.17 crore would be spent for construction of 53.12 kilometre of footpath and 96 kilometres of cycle track would also be built in the city. BMC would also spend Rs 12.14 crore to build facilities for children in city parks as per the SLIP.

The SLIP was presented in the special corporation meeting yesterday and suggestions were taken from various officials and corporators following which it was passed unanimously.

The plan has subsequently been sent to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for further examination. It would be sent to the Union Government after the Chief Secretary examines the plan along with the plans of eight other towns of Odisha that are being covered under the scheme.

It may be noted that the Centre has announced the AMRUT scheme to ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage connection, increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces such as parks and reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport such as walking and cycling.