Chennai gets lion's share as Singara Chennai 2.0, UGSS announced

Soon after the new DMK regime came into power, the Greater Chennai Corporation had started discussions to launch the Singara Chennai 2.0, which is an extension of the Singara Chennai project implemented during the previous DMK regime.

Under the Singara Chennai 2.0, the Chennai Corporation has decided to implement projects addressing eight aspects including health and sanitation, mobility and environment. “Already, a few projects are under consideration. Once the funds start flowing, projects will be implemented,” a Chennai Corporation official said.

Apart from Rs 500 crore for Singara Chennai 2.0, funds have been allocated to create underground sewage systems in added areas. “Underground sewerage systems will be provided to all the added areas of Chennai city at a total cost of Rs 2,056 crore. The scheme to prevent the outflow of sewage into waterways in Chennai will be vigorously implemented at a total cost of Rs 2,371 crore,” the budget announcement said.

Meanwhile, the government has announced that a feasibility report would be prepared for bringing Krishna River water through pipelines from Andhra Pradesh to the reservoirs of Chennai. Also, Chennai City Partnership Programme will be launched with assistance from the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank shortly.

The revised budget estimates allocated a provision of Rs 87 crore for the integrated stormwater drain network project in Kosasthalaiyar Basin, which is assisted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

New flyovers and overbridges will be constructed at three places in Chennai city at Ganesapuram subway; at the intersection of Konnur High Road – Strahan’s Road; and at South Usman Road at an estimated cost of Rs 335 crore. Chennai will become a city without wall posters, the budget announcement said.

Online provision of services to all citizens would be ensured through the Makkal Sevaiyil Managaratchi and Namadhu Sevaiyil Nagaratchi schemes.

To meet the aspirational needs of the people in urban areas while bridging the resource gap, the State government will launch the Kalaignar Nagarpura Membattu Thittam with an allocation of Rs 1,000 crore in 2021-22.

Also, Rs 2,350 crore has been provided for the Smart Cities Mission and Rs 1,450 crore for AMRUT scheme, which would benefit other urban local bodies in the State, the minister said.