Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project | 07 Nov 2024
Why in News?
Recently, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a USD 200 million loan to enhance urban services in Uttarakhand, including water supply, sanitation, and urban mobility.
- The European Investment Bank is co-financing the project with a USD 191 million parallel investment to further support urban infrastructure enhancements.
Key Points
- Objectives of the Project:
- The project aligns with India’s urban development agenda and Uttarakhand’s goals to improve urban services, aiming for greater livability and sustainability in cities.
- It will focus on building climate- and disaster-resilient urban infrastructure to safeguard Uttarakhand’s population from risks like floods and landslides.
- Initiatives Included under the Project:
- Key Upgrades in Haldwani- Economic Hub of Uttarakhand:
- In Haldwani, climate-resilient roads will be developed, along with an intelligent traffic management system, CNG buses, and electric bus pilots.
- The project includes constructing stormwater and roadside drains and implementing an early warning system for improved flood resilience.
- A green-certified administrative complex and bus terminal will enhance public service delivery.
- Water Supply and Sanitation Improvements in Four Cities:
- In Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar, the project aims for 100% water service coverage, installing climate-resilient pipelines, tubewells, new reservoirs, and a water treatment plant.
- Sanitation coverage will be increased through sewage treatment facilities.
- Women's Empowerment and Livelihood Opportunities:
- The project will provide skill training for women such as bus driving, ticketing, and managing electric charging stations.
- The project will train women, including those from vulnerable households, in operating and managing water and sanitation services.
- Key Upgrades in Haldwani- Economic Hub of Uttarakhand:
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- ADB is a multilateral development bank established in 1966 with a mission to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region.
- It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and has 69 members.
- It is governed by a board of governors and funded through member contributions, retained earnings from lending, and loan repayments.
European Investment Bank (EIB)
- It was established in 1958 and is the lending arm of the European Union.
- It is one of the biggest multilateral financial institutions in the world and one of the largest providers of climate finance.
- Since 1993, EIB has been supporting India’s evolving green ambitions by investing in sustainable urban transport and renewable energy.