The Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have undergone significant empowerment, transforming into key units of local self-government. Elections have been conducted, leading to the formation of councils and committees with delegated financial powers, allowing them to steer their growth and development agendas. Over recent years, ULBs have evolved from basic sanitation units to comprehensive governance bodies, delivering public services and fostering overall development within their jurisdictions.
The government has allocated substantial Capex Budgets to ULBs in the Kashmir Division, totaling approximately Rs. 496.66 crores over the past few years. These funds have been instrumental in undertaking various projects aimed at enhancing public utilities and strengthening the resource base of ULBs. Projects include the construction of clock towers, shopping complexes, slaughterhouses, marriage halls, town halls, bus stands, parks, roads, and drainage systems across the region.
The Urban Local Bodies have witnessed a huge developmental over the past few years as a member of flagship schemes like SBM (U), AMRUT etc came up. From being merely units of sanitation to becoming full-fledged units of Governance delivering public services for benefit of the general public and overall development of their jurisdictions the ULBs have witnessed a big jump on developmental front.
Solid Waste Management Initiatives
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-U) and subsequent iterations, significant progress has been made in sanitation. This includes the construction of individual household toilets, community toilets, and comprehensive awareness campaigns. ULBs have procured essential equipment such as auto hoopers and tri-cycles for solid waste collection and have initiated waste management centers and compost pits.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Under AMRUT 1.0, various projects have been completed, including sewage treatment plants, multilevel car parking facilities, green spaces, and water supply schemes. AMRUT 2.0 aims to make cities ‘water secure’ through water source conservation, rejuvenation of water bodies, and rainwater harvesting, involving the community in a Jan Andolan.
AMRUT 1.0:Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), significant projects have been undertaken in Anantnag town, showcasing the success of the initiative and setting the stage for AMRUT 2.0. Key accomplishments include:
Septage Treatment Plant: A 62 KLD Septage Treatment Plant, along with an allied drainage network, has been completed and is now operational. This project benefits a population of 1,09,000 souls, ensuring improved sanitation and environmental health.
Sewerage Treatment Plant:Anantnag now boasts a Sewerage Treatment Plant with a capacity of 4 MLD, complemented by a 13 km sewerage network. This infrastructure serves 35,000 residents, promoting cleanliness and hygiene within the town.
Multilevel Car Parking Facility: A much-needed multilevel car parking facility has been constructed, providing 196 parking slots. This development significantly contributes to decongesting the town and enhancing traffic management.
Green Spaces: Two green spaces have been developed within Anantnag, offering recreational areas for residents and improving the town’s overall aesthetic appeal. These spaces serve as community hubs, fostering social interaction and well-being.
Water Supply Scheme: An essential Water Supply Scheme for the University Area (South Campus) is in progress, with completion expected by 31st August 2023. Once finished, this project will provide reliable water access to residents and students, promoting sustainable development.
AMRUT 2.0: A Vision for Water-Secure Cities
Building upon the success of AMRUT 1.0, AMRUT 2.0 aims to further advance urban rejuvenation and water security. This ambitious mission seeks to provide functional water tap connections to all households, fostering a circular economy of water through conservation, rejuvenation of water bodies, and rainwater harvesting. With a focus on community involvement, AMRUT 2.0 will be driven as a Jan Andolan, ensuring the active participation of residents.
Rejuvenation of Water Bodies
Under AMRUT 2.0, 39 water supply schemes/projects will be implemented across 39 ULBs in the Kashmir Division, benefitting over 100,000 households. Additionally, 19 projects for the rejuvenation of water bodies have been initiated, aiming to enhance water availability and amenity value. These efforts include desilting, embankment strengthening, and the provision of Sewage Treatment Plants to treat inflow into water bodies, fostering environmental sustainability and community well-being.
My Town My Pride 1.0:The Government in the year 2019 started MTMP programme on the analogy of B2V a big public outreach programme ULB did massive awareness of various Government schemes, self-employment, individual beneficiary, Municipal services, onspot registration, subsequently an amount of Rs. 2500.00 lacs were released by the Government to fund those demands put forth by the public during the programme.
Major Projects :
Clock Towers: Eight clock towers have been approved for construction, adding to the aesthetic appeal of towns in Kashmir.
Shopping Complexes: Construction of 24 shopping complexes aims at creating remunerative assets and generating employment opportunities.
Slaughterhouses: Plans for 24 slaughterhouses aim to ensure sanitary and hygienic requirements are met.
Marriage Halls: Seventeen marriage halls have been approved to provide the public with facilities for organizing ceremonies.
Town Halls: Twenty-four town halls or office buildings have been approved to cater to public gatherings and social activities, along with providing office spaces for ULBs.
Bus Stands: Eighteen bus stands are being developed to provide basic civic facilities to the general public.
Parks: Thirty parks have been developed to enhance recreational spaces within ULBs.
Macadamization work of 10 Bus stands and Inner roads of Towns of Kashmir division has been done at a cost of Rs 784.23 Lac for general public convenience.
Lanes and Drains :1151 Lanes and Drains have been taken up for public benefit in all 40 ULBs of Kashmir division
Under drainage scheme, 25 Schemes were approved against total cost of Rs.2562.91 Lakhs out of which one has been constructed and 21 are in progress.
Car parking: 9 Multi-level other car parking’s have been approved for an amount of Rs 612.97 Lakhs, out of which 3 have been completed and 4 are in progress.
