Ranchi: The urban development and housing department has sanctioned Rs 259 crore for 49 urban local bodies (ULBs) to improve civic amenities and transport infrastructure during the current financial year.Urban development secretary Sunil Kumar said the allocation constitutes 60% of the budget under the respective heads. “The remaining 40% will also be sanctioned shortly to ensure that citizens get better civic amenities,” he said.Of the total allocation, Rs 154 crore has been earmarked for upgrading civic amenities and strengthening basic municipal services. The funds can be used for street lighting, conservation of water bodies, development of parks and beautification of roundabouts and road dividers.The grant will also cover the construction and maintenance of crematoriums, drainage networks, town halls, community centres, old-age homes, night shelters, marriage halls and shopping complexes.ULBs can procure waste handling equipment and specialised machinery, including fogging machines, tower ladders and water tankers. The funds may also be used for the operation and maintenance of existing water supply schemes.The department has directed civic bodies not to divert the allocation to administrative or non-civic expenditure. Projects must be implemented through competitive bidding and completed by the end of 2026-27. ULBs will also have to submit physical and financial progress reports to the department.Another Rs 105 crore has been sanctioned under the urban transport system head. It will fund the construction and repair of municipal roads, bridges, drains, public transport facilities and bus shelters.Separately, state govt has allocated Rs 165.09 crore for sanitation projects under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0. The fund will be used to construct individual household latrines, community and public toilets, aspirational toilets and urinals across all 49 municipal areas.
