Centre approves Rs 187.75 crore AMRUT project for Shimla MC

SHIMLA, December 10: Centre has approved Rs 187.75 crore Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) project for Shimla Municipal Corporation, Himachal Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma said here today. The Union Urban Development Ministry gave nod to the project, which would be implemented in three years, after considering the detailed presentation made by HP government, Sharma said, adding that an allocation of Rs 52.94 crore has been made for current financial year out of which 50 percent amount would be shared by the state. The main components of the project included water supply, sewerage network, urban transport, green spaces and parks and strong water drainage and if the SMC succeeded in meeting the reforms initiated by the Union government in a stipulated time period, the Centre would provide 10 percent extra funds for this project, he added. The Corporation had already achieved 70 percent target under the different components and efforts would be made to complete remaining work within fixed time to avail extra financial assistance from the Centre, the Minister said. SMC Mayor Sanjay Chauhan said the thrust sectors based on priority which will be taken up under this mission includes water supply, sewerage facilities and seepage management, storm water drains to reduce flooding, pedestrian, non-motorised and public transport facilities, parking spaces and enhancing amenity value of cities by creating and upgrading green spaces, parks and recreation centers, especially for children. The target of hundred percent water supply would be achieved by 2016 and sewerage system along-with parks in the next three years. The SMC today made a detailed presentation to the Union Urban Development ministry for implementation of AM RUT in HP.