New Delhi: To enhance urban infrastructure and climate resilience across Assam, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) finalised a $125 million loan agreement here today.
The agreement, signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Mio Oka, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, targets six district headquarters—Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, Goalpara, Golaghat, and Nalbari—along with Guwahati.
The Assam Urban Sector Development Project is set to directly benefit approximately 360,000 residents by delivering a reliable, metered water supply and improving stormwater management systems. Key infrastructure developments include the construction of six water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 72 million litres per day and the installation of 800 kilometres of water distribution pipelines across the targeted districts. A real-time monitoring system will also be implemented to ensure efficient water management, aiming to keep nonrevenue water below 20%, a critical step toward sustainable urban water systems.
In Guwahati, the project focuses on mitigating chronic flooding in the Bahini Basin through the development of flood diversion channels, upgraded drainage systems, and a nature-based retention pond designed to reduce flood discharge and enhance groundwater recharge. These measures are expected to bolster the city’s resilience against climate-related challenges, such as increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns.
Beyond infrastructure, the project emphasises strengthening urban governance through institutional reforms and capacity-building initiatives. A significant component is the establishment of the Assam State Institute for Urban Development, created in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. This institute will serve as a hub for training and innovation in urban planning and management. Additionally, the project will introduce a GIS-based property tax database, digital water billing systems, and a volumetric water tariff structure across the project towns. These reforms aim to improve financial sustainability and ensure efficient service delivery for residents.
A cornerstone of the initiative is its commitment to social inclusion, particularly for women and girls. The project will provide specialised training for women’s self-help groups in water operations, equipping them with skills to actively participate in urban service management. Internship opportunities will be created for college-age women, fostering career development in technical and administrative fields. Furthermore, school outreach programs will be conducted to raise awareness about water, sanitation, and hygiene, promoting community engagement and education on critical public health issues.
By addressing both infrastructure and governance challenges while prioritising inclusivity, the Assam Urban Sector Development Project aims to create more livable, resilient, and equitable urban environments across the state. The initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable urban development in Assam, with far-reaching benefits for its residents and future generations.
– global bihari bureau
