AP Govt plans major Urban Infra Development program

The Andhra Pradesh (AP) state government has set its sight on bringing about rampant development in urban infrastructure. The prime objective of this move is to improve the living standards of low income groups, with emphasis on their economic development. This comes in the backdrop of the huge challenge that the government is facing with regards to the steep rise in urban population. Incidentally, the state has recorded a 33.5% growth in urban population as compared to the national average of 31%. Projections reveal that the urban population in AP would increase to 45.5 million (4.55 crore) by 2030. This would approximately constitute 46% of the total population.

Sectors covered

To give wings to this proposal, the AP government has already prepared elaborate estimates to cover the required investment in eight sectors. They include water supply, solid waste management, sewage, storm water drains, urban roads, urban transportation, urban traffic support infrastructure and street lighting along urban roads. The estimates were prepared by a high power expert committee on urban infrastructure services. Accordingly, the per capita investment required in AP in the next six years, between 2014 and 2020, on each individual is Rs.10,846, thereby totalling Rs.30,695 crore.

Plans:

Considering the precarious power supply situation prevailing in urban areas, the government would strive to implement energy efficiency measures. In this regard, the Utilities department of the state government has initiated the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP). It involves the development of IT as well as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), construction of sub-stations and lines, enhancement of power transformers etc. This would involve an investment of Rs.1,880 crore and would be undertaken in the next four years.

Challenges:

According to the Chief Secretary and State Energy Conservation Mission (SECM) Chairman, there are various challenges that the government has to face in managing urbanization. They include:

·         Significant rise in investment for urban infrastructure and services

·         Strengthening the framework for governance and financing

·         Slum development and urban poverty alleviation

·         Urban housing

·         Comprehensive capacity building program at all levels of government

Recommendations

The Chief Secretary, whose book titled, ‘Challenges of urbanisation in India – An overview’, was recently released by the Prime Minister. The PM lauded him for his insights and recommendations with regards to making cities socially equitable, economically viable and environmentally sustainable. Some of the key recommendations suggested are:

·         Providing a legal framework for effective governance due to the large investments made in sectors like housing, water and sanitation

·         Creating a framework for effective planning and integration of land use/allocation

·         Empowering municipalities by delegating power, responsibility and accountability in all staff cadres.

·         Providing houses for low income and weaker sections of people, particularly those living in slums

·         Providing public mass transportation by road as well as mass rapid transit through local trains/metro

·         Developing skilled manpower by in-house and institutional training on urban governance, urban economics, land use, transportation etc.