Darjeeling: The Central Government has sanctioned multiple projects worth Rs 1503.67 crore under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme for the Darjeeling district.
These projects cover all the urban bodies in the district, including the municipalities of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and the Siliguri Municipal Corporation.
These involve enhancing water supply, improving sewerage and improving water bodies.
Under AMRUT 1.0, Darjeeling district was allocated Rs 206.8 crore, and Rs 204.74 crore was allocated for drinking water supply to every household in Darjeeling municipality, including 11,800 new tap connections.
In addition, Rs 1.96 crore was spent on 17 park projects and the development of 1.4 acres of green space in the Siliguri Municipal Corporation area.
Under AMRUT 2.0, Darjeeling municipality has been allocated an extra Rs 296.8 crore. This includes Rs 236.8 crore to complete the drinking water project.
Another Rs 60 crore has been allocated for the renovation of Sinchel North and South Lakes and a new reservoir in the Senchal Lake area.
Kurseong municipality has been allocated Rs 210.8 crore. This includes Rs 210 crore for drinking water supply in Kurseong municipal area and Rs 80 lakhs for rejuvenation of urban water lakes.
Another Rs 10 crore has been allocated for the rejuvenation and desiltation of the Sumendu Lake at Mirik. Further, Rs 2.43 crore is allocated to ensure 100% drinking water connection for all homes in Mirik Municipality
Kalimpong municipality has been allocated Rs 196.57 crore for water supply. An extra Rs 40 lakh has been earmarked for developing green space in Kalimpong.
Siliguri Municipal Corporation has been allocated a total of Rs 785.27 crore. Out of this Rs 511.08 crore is meant to augment the water supply scheme (Phase I) of Siliguri and surrounding rural areas. In addition, Rs 274.19 crore has been sanctioned to upgrade the existing waste stabilisation pond (WSP).