SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Institutions: Government of Assam | Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $125 million loan for the Assam Urban Sector Development Project. The initiative aims to improve water supply, stormwater management, and urban services in six district headquarters and Guwahati, with an estimated 360,000 residents expected to benefit.
Key measures include the construction of six water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 72 million liters per day, 800 km of new pipelines, and upgrades to Guwahatiβs drainage network through diversion channels and a stormwater retention pond. The project also incorporates digital billing systems, GIS-based tax registries, and volumetric water tariffs to enhance urban governance and financial sustainability.
The program will establish the Assam State Institute for Urban Development, in partnership with IIT Guwahati, to build local capacity. It also includes gender and social components such as training for women self-help groups in water operations and outreach on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: How can urban infrastructure loans be assessed for long-term sustainability and equitable access, beyond physical service coverage metrics?
Follow the full news here:
https://www.adb.org/news/adb-approves-125-million-loan-boost-urban-infrastructure-assam-india