Empowered Leadership: A.P. CM Urges Officials to Unlock Maximum Central Funds for MA&UD Department!
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the urgent need to secure funding from the central government during a recent review meeting of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department at his residence near Vijayawada. Naidu directed officials to address pending issues related to utilization certificates and clear outstanding bills promptly.
He highlighted the importance of accelerating projects under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), AMRUT-2, and schemes supported by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF). The Chief Minister called for focused action on the ₹8,800 crore in funding sanctioned between 2014 and 2019 by AIIB and the Central government to ensure timely completion of these essential urban projects.
Naidu underscored the need for cleanliness in Municipal Corporations and smaller municipalities, especially with the monsoon season approaching. He urged officials to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and curb mosquito breeding. Ensuring the proper functioning of drainage systems and preventing the contamination of drinking water were also high priorities for the Chief Minister.
Raising concerns about public health, Naidu requested the formulation of a dedicated poultry waste management policy, considering the risks posed by poultry waste in urban areas. He also stressed the need to boost demand for products created by DWCRA (Development of Women and Child in Rural Areas) groups, encouraging skill development and the use of e-commerce platforms to expand market access.
In an effort to enhance urban infrastructure, Naidu instructed Urban Local Bodies to generate electricity for street lighting. He announced plans for comprehensive discussions on urban housing and urged officials to expedite the establishment of sewage treatment plants across municipalities.
Later addressing the media, MA&UD Minister P. Narayana reiterated the government’s commitment to developing social infrastructure, including clean drinking water, street lighting, roads, parks, and sanitation facilities. He confirmed that efforts are underway to provide 100% protected drinking water to all municipal corporations and municipalities, with work commencing under the AMRUT scheme.
Narayana reported that approximately 8,000 tonnes of solid waste are generated daily, with initiatives in progress to convert this waste into electricity. The Minister noted a decision made between 2014 and 2019 to establish ten waste-to-energy plants, although only two currently operate in Guntur and Visakhapatnam. Plans are underway to construct six additional plants in Rajahmundry, Nellore, Kadapa, Kurnool, Vijayawada, and Tirupati, which will process 7,500 tonnes of waste into electricity daily, while safely disposing of the remaining 500 tonnes.
Regarding housing, Narayana stated that while five lakh TIDCO houses were initiated from 2014 to 2019, the previous YSRCP government had cut this number to 2.6 lakh. The government faced financial implications due to loans raised prior to house allocations, landing many beneficiaries in non-payment categories. As a result, ₹140 crore has been allocated to address these issues and revitalize the housing project.
Vijayawada’s ongoing urban development efforts reflect the Andhra Pradesh government’s dedication to enhancing living standards and public health through strategic infrastructure improvements.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Vijayawada/ap-cm-tells-officials-to-mobilise-maximum-central-funds-for-maud-department/article69749174.ece
Category : Vijayawada
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Publish Date: 2025-06-29 05:20:00
