ADB approves $200 million loan to enhance water supply and urban services in Uttarakhand.

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $200 million loan agreement recently to upgrade water supply, sanitation, mobility, and other essential urban services in Uttarakhand. The agreement for the Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Mio Oka, Country Director of the ADB India Resident Mission, according to an official statement.

Mukherjee noted that the project supports India's urban development goals and aligns with Uttarakhand's efforts to enhance urban infrastructure, aiming to improve both livability and sustainability in the state’s cities. Mio Oka added that the project focuses on creating climate- and disaster-resilient infrastructure to safeguard residents from risks like floods and landslides.

The project will enhance transportation, urban mobility, drainage, and flood management in Haldwani, Uttarakhand's economic center. It will also improve water supply in Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar by developing efficient, climate-resilient water systems.

To promote women's involvement, the project will provide livelihood training in bus driving, ticketing, and electric charging station management. Additionally, it will strengthen the capacity of women, particularly from vulnerable households, to operate and manage water and sanitation services, recognizing their key role in these areas.

The European Investment Bank will provide parallel financing for the project with an additional $191 million.

ET