: A special unit set up for the implementation of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut) project in the city has set in motion the process of executing the five components envisaged under the scheme of the Union Ministry of Urban Development.
The national-level apex committee of the Centre has already sanctioned Rs. 71.3 crore for the city under different heads such as water supply (Rs. 17.87 crore); sewage and septage management (Rs. 45.60 crore); drainage (Rs. 6.81 crore); and green spaces (Rs. 85 lakh); this financial year.
However, the special unit will prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for implementation of the projects from the next fiscal though Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had inaugurated the Amrut project in the last week of December, 2015. The last quarter of this financial year is being utilised to prepare the DPR to get approval from the technical committee, prepare the tender documents and call tenders, V.K.C. Mammed Koya, Kozhikode Mayor, said.
He said the expenditure would be calculated next fiscal. The share of the Centre will be Rs. 35.56 crore while that of the State government, Rs. 21.34 crore and Kozhikode Corporation, Rs. 14.26 crore. Overall, Kozhikode will get Rs. 836 crore, with the Centre contributing Rs. 418 crore, State government, Rs. 250.80 crore and the civic body, Rs. 167.20 crore till 2020-21.
Official sources said the projects were the rehauling of existing old pipes, valves and inter-connections with existing lines, construction of sewerage system in Zone A, storm water drainage construction on Gurukkal Road-P.M. Kutty Road-Chakkittada-E.K. Canal and multi-level car parking complex at Stadium and Palayam junctions. The project for green spaces is renovation of the Mananchira Square.
Water-related projects would be entrusted to the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), but other projects requiring external expertise would be given to reputed consultants. The primary purpose of Amrut is to cover all households with water supply and sewerage, including septage. The Amrut project period is five years beginning 2015-16. The Centre has worked out the Amrut project based on the population and urban character of Kozhikode city. The population is 6, 08, 255 in an area of 118.58 sq.km. The density of population is 5,129 persons sq.km. and the population growth rate is 7.2 per cent.
Special unit prepares to execute the five components under the project
