Centre approves three projects worth Rs 266 crore for WB

Kolkata, March 6: The Centre has approved three projects -the renewal of the iconic Tala tank in north Kolkata, augmentation of Uluberia water supply scheme and solid waste management scheme of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), official sources said here today.

The Cental Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) of the union ministry of urban development at a meeting in New Delhi, a day before the announcement of the poll schedule by the Election Commission, approved the three projects worth around Rs 266 crore for West Bengal, the sources said. The Tala Tank is an iconic structure in north Kolkata.

It has a capacity of 41 million litres (9 mgd). It was commissioned in 1911, but is still providing service to an estimated 36 lakh population. Its area is 98m x 98m, depth is 5.5m. Due to ageing, some deformation is happening and some leakages are also noticed.

The CSMC technical experts described the tank as unique and the sources said the approved project cost for its renovation is Rs 67.81 crore.

The project will be executed by Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). The 10 mgd water treatment plant at Uluberia was commissioned under JNNURM but was inadequate in meeting the local demand. To increase the capacity to 18 mgd, this project is being augmented again under JNNURM at a cost of Rs 46 crore.

The implementing agency will be Kolkata Metropolitan Water and Sanitation Auhtorities. The KMC's Solid Waste Management project with compactors was approved by CSMC at a cost of Rs 153 crore.

The project envisages 163 stationary compactors and 200 movable compactors. There will be a compost plants, transfer stations and modern mechanical transporters. The project will use 20 acres in New Town that has been recently earmarked for the project. KMC will implement the project, the sources added.

PTI