TN gets Rs 316 cr from Centre as first installment under Amrut scheme

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Tamil Nadu got the first installment of Central grant of Rs 316 crore
under the Atal Mission for rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
(Amrut) scheme for 39 projects which include drinking water projects,
sewerage network as well as building up of 25 parks.



It is learnt that of the 25 parks, which got sanctioned, Chennai will
have eight parks but details are still being worked out.



This comes after the Centre cleared the state Annual Action Plan for
seven water supplies related project, seven water sewerage project and
25 parks. It is learnt that 20 per cent of approved central assistance
under first instalment, which works out to Rs 316 crore has been
released earlier this week.



Now the state has to release the Central assistance funds to the local
bodies within seven working days or else interest at the rate
specified by finance ministry shall be levied on state for delay and
appropriate deductions made from future instalments.



The overall package for the 39 projects would cost Rs 3,834 crore of
which state would be pooling in Rs 2,251 crore. Centre has also
suggested the state government to explore public private partnership
in water supply and sewerage sector.



It is learnt that while giving clearance the Centre has put forth some
conditions before the states that they shouldn't divert the Central
grants for any other purpose otherwise it would incur penal interest.



It has also stated that the detailed project reports should focus on recycling or re-use of waste water and reduction of
non revenue water