Karnataka state will receive more JnNURM funds. Excerpts from the article:
The Centre has given another opportunity to the State to seek funds for development of infrastructure in Bangalore and Mysore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM).
This despite the fact that the State has utilised only 68 per cent of the funds provided under the same scheme in the past.As per the project implementation status of JnNURM in Karnataka, of the 38 projects, only 23 have been completed.
The pending projects primarily relate to unfinished underground drainage facilities and road restoration works in the erstwhile CMC areas, apart from remodelling of primary stormwater drains (SWDs) across the four valleys in Bangalore. Mysore has failed to complete even a single infrastructure project under JnNURM, despite utilising 58 per cent of the approved funds.
It is unknown why the utilization is so poor. On one hand, government is always short of money and on the other does not fully utilize allocated funds. The situation should be such that the allocation runs out in the first 6-9 months so that the next time allocation is hiked.
The Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC), the nodal agency for JnNURM, has stated that almost all civic agencies have been asked to send proposals for ‘fresh’ projects.
The Centre has reportedly asked KUIDFC to send the proposals ‘as early as possible’. “We are not sure as to how much of a monetary cap the Central Government is placing on the allocations. But we are looking for as many proposals as possible to be ratified,” said Jain.
Elevated roads and other road/transport related projects seem to be the flavour of the season in Karnataka. The list of states with completed projects is a third of the list of states with allocated funds. Attached to this post are two documents indicating the completed projects and status of all projects in Karnataka.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| JnNURM Completed Projects.pdf | 67.31 KB |
| JnNURM Project Status.pdf | 78.48 KB |
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Some items that are probably
Some items that are probably more important than the projects under implementation:
1. Infiltration system of collecting and draining runoff water to prevent annual flooding. The system can complement the storm water drainns and will go a long way in saving lives.
2. Funds for protecting electrical installations in public locations so that electrocutions are minimized and eventually eliminated. Additionally, replace street lights with LED bulbs. Add smart grids and smart meters. Allow incentives for solar installation at homes / businesses. Reduce T&D losses.
3. Water pilferage detection and stoppage. Funds for replacing water pipes with dual pipes that allow supply of processed water from raw sources and recycled water for different purposes. Allow subsidies to install rainwater harvesting.
4. Building mini sewerage treatment plants at lake inlets and other localized discharge locations (Eg: At outlets of dense commercial establishments, large apartment complexes, industries with heavy water usage etc.).
5. Outer / peripheral circular and radial rail lines. Call it commuter rail, metro rail on grade, or any other name. These would be funds directly used for sustainable transportation. Augmenting capacity at city railway station by building multiple levels (sort of TTMC for railways).
6. Addition of facilities for city pedestrians and commuters.
i) Construction of RUBs and ROBs.
ii) Providing adequate street facilites (bus shelters, public toilets, parks etc.).
iii) Pedstrian skywalks at appropriate locations and properly designed.
iv) Bicycle friendly facilities, parking.
v) More BangaloreOne type kiosks.
The list of essentials can go on and on. But knowing the authorities, they will concentrate excessively on under- / over- passes, signal-free corridors, elevated roads, replacing buses than augmenting them and rationalizing routes, perpetually re-model stormwater drains etc. What a "waste" or under-utilization of resources. Hopefully people with vision in different organizations will put forth more proposals to cover basic essentials and add to the diversity of sectors where the funds are allocated.
It is also unclear why only
It is also unclear why only two cities (Bengaluru and Mysuru) have applied. How about Hubli-Dharwad? Mangalore-Hassan? Raichur? Belgaum region? If the government is really serious about developing Tier II cities, the other regions / clusters should be encouraged to build facilities that rival those in the bigger cities.
As suspected, KUIDFC has
As suspected, KUIDFC has called for EoIs from firms for preparation of DPR for:
The usual suspects getting more share of the funds. What does it take for the planners to diversify and provide other essential facilities, especially ones that save lives or add a lot to sustainability. KUIDFC does solicit opinions but like all things govt., opinions probably end up in a (e-)cupboard that is gathering cobwebs. Unfortunately, public opinion is not utilized or opinion of even expert current or ex-planners harnessed to shortlist the sectors needed for DPR submittal. BMRCL is showing the true democratic way by posting petitions and responses; other organizations like BBMP, KUIDFC, BWSSB et al. that directly affect day-to-day life of citizens would do well to learn and implement the true spirit behind initiatives like RTI and Sakala.
The comment above It is
The comment above
as been answered by the linked article below.
Another linked snippet.
Now it is clear that JnNURM I was a large "pilot" and since it was deemed "successful", the concept has been extended. Very encouraging. More municipal corporations / tier II cities should quickly apply and effectively utilize the allocated funds especially since more funds would be available with same party at center and state + next year being election year :-).