India and Asian Development Bank Join Forces for Uttarakhand Urban Development
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a USD 200 million loan agreement to enhance urban services in Uttarakhand. This initiative aims to improve water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and other services, aligning with India’s urban development goals.
Key Objectives
Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, highlighted that the project supports Uttarakhand’s efforts to improve livability and sustainability in its cities. Mio Oka, Country Director of the India Resident Mission at ADB, emphasized the project’s focus on creating infrastructure resilient to climate and environmental risks, such as floods and landslides.
Project Highlights
The project will enhance transportation and public services in Haldwani, Uttarakhand’s economic hub, by developing 16 km of climate-resilient roads, implementing an intelligent traffic management system, and deploying eco-friendly buses. Additionally, it will construct stormwater drains and an early warning system for flood management.
In the cities of Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar, the project aims for 100% water service coverage by building climate-resilient pipelines, tubewells, reservoirs, and a water treatment plant. Sanitation improvements in Vikasnagar will benefit around 2,000 households.
Empowering Women
The project includes initiatives for women, such as training in bus driving and operating electric charging stations. It also focuses on empowering women in managing water supply and sanitation services.
Co-Financing
The European Investment Bank is co-financing the project with an additional USD 191 million.
Doubts Revealed
Asian Development Bank -: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a financial institution that helps countries in Asia by providing loans and grants for development projects. It aims to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in the region.
Uttarakhand -: Uttarakhand is a state in northern India known for its beautiful mountains and rivers. It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims.
USD 200 million loan -: A USD 200 million loan means that the Asian Development Bank is giving India a large amount of money, about 200 million US dollars, to help improve cities in Uttarakhand. This money will be used to make the cities better places to live.
Urban services -: Urban services refer to essential services provided in cities, like clean water, proper sanitation, and transportation. These services help make city life comfortable and healthy for people.
Climate resilience -: Climate resilience means making sure that cities and their services can withstand and adapt to changes in the climate, like heavy rains or droughts, so that people can continue to live safely.
Haldwani -: Haldwani is a city in Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the places where the project will improve urban services like water supply and sanitation.
100% water service coverage -: 100% water service coverage means that every home and building in the area will have access to clean and safe water all the time.
European Investment Bank -: The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a bank owned by European Union countries. It provides loans for projects that help improve infrastructure and the environment around the world.