Uttarakhand CM inaugurates 66 feet national flag in Dehradun

06 Dec 2024 CW Team

Andhra Govt allocates Rs.167 bn for Panchayat Raj

The Andhra Pradesh Government allocated `167 billion (bn) for the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department to revitalise grassroots governance. Special Gram Sabhas were held in 13,326 panchayats to approve the MGNREGA action plan, which includes cement road construction. The government released Rs.9.98 bn to support Gram Panchayats and initiated convergence projects under MGNREGA to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Over 1.2 million households completed 100 days of employment, and 2,855 km of roads were constructed under the Rural Road Connectivity Project.

Upcoming 12 smart cities to have dedicated industrial hubs
India's 12 upcoming smart cities, spread across 10 states, will emerge as industrial hubs under six major industrial corridors. Designed with plug-andplay infrastructure, 24/7 utilities, and a ‘walk-towork’ concept, they aim to integrate residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. Construction is expected to finish in three years, with contractors finalised by March. Maharashtra's Bidkin will focus on automotive industries, while Dighi targets port-led industrialisation. With a `1.5 trillion investment potential, these cities could generate 1 million direct and 3 million indirect jobs. Global investors are exploring opportunities in sectors like EVs, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

Smart City Kakinada projects stagnate despite funding
The Union Government sanctioned `4.90 billion (bn) for Kakinada Smart City, with `4.81 bn released. However, the state government released only `3.01 bn of its share. Despite this, Kakinada Smart City Corporation has faced criticism for poor fund utilisation, with issues in drainage, infrastructure, water supply, and waste management. Citizens also raised concerns about malfunctioning CCTV cameras and low-quality roadworks. Officials highlighted the plan to start a bio-methane unit using wet waste after further fund releases.

Contact: Kakinada Smart City

Email: smartcityofficekakinada@gmail.com

Website: www.ksccl.in

Srinagar sees riverfront redevelopment

The Srinagar riverfront, spanning Badshah Bridge to Zero Bridge, is being redeveloped under the Smart City project. Managed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the initiative focuses on aesthetic upgrades, improved accessibility, and enhancing visitor experiences. Following the success of an initial section, the project aims to transform the entire stretch into a scenic urban attraction, blending modernisation with Srinagar’s tourism. Completion is expected in the near future

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated a 66 feet high national flag in Dehradun as part of the Smart City project. The initiative is one of many under the Smart City project, which focuses on enhancing Dehradun's infrastructure, beautification, and civic amenities. The flag aims to foster patriotism and pride, becoming a local landmark. Dhami highlighted the importance of such symbols in promoting unity, while the project continues to enhance Dehradun tourism.Andhra Govt allocates Rs.167 bn for Panchayat RajThe Andhra Pradesh Government allocated `167 billion (bn) for the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department to revitalise grassroots governance. Special Gram Sabhas were held in 13,326 panchayats to approve the MGNREGA action plan, which includes cement road construction. The government released Rs.9.98 bn to support Gram Panchayats and initiated convergence projects under MGNREGA to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Over 1.2 million households completed 100 days of employment, and 2,855 km of roads were constructed under the Rural Road Connectivity Project.Upcoming 12 smart cities to have dedicated industrial hubsIndia's 12 upcoming smart cities, spread across 10 states, will emerge as industrial hubs under six major industrial corridors. Designed with plug-andplay infrastructure, 24/7 utilities, and a ‘walk-towork’ concept, they aim to integrate residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. Construction is expected to finish in three years, with contractors finalised by March. Maharashtra's Bidkin will focus on automotive industries, while Dighi targets port-led industrialisation. With a `1.5 trillion investment potential, these cities could generate 1 million direct and 3 million indirect jobs. Global investors are exploring opportunities in sectors like EVs, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.Smart City Kakinada projects stagnate despite fundingThe Union Government sanctioned `4.90 billion (bn) for Kakinada Smart City, with `4.81 bn released. However, the state government released only `3.01 bn of its share. Despite this, Kakinada Smart City Corporation has faced criticism for poor fund utilisation, with issues in drainage, infrastructure, water supply, and waste management. Citizens also raised concerns about malfunctioning CCTV cameras and low-quality roadworks. Officials highlighted the plan to start a bio-methane unit using wet waste after further fund releases. Contact: Kakinada Smart City Email: smartcityofficekakinada@gmail.com Website: www.ksccl.inSrinagar sees riverfront redevelopmentThe Srinagar riverfront, spanning Badshah Bridge to Zero Bridge, is being redeveloped under the Smart City project. Managed by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the initiative focuses on aesthetic upgrades, improved accessibility, and enhancing visitor experiences. Following the success of an initial section, the project aims to transform the entire stretch into a scenic urban attraction, blending modernisation with Srinagar’s tourism. Completion is expected in the near future

Infrastructure Energy

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GAIL to Set Up Bengaluru CBG Plant Under New Concession Pact

GAIL (India) Limited has signed a 20-year concession agreement with the Bengaluru City Municipal Corporation (BBMP) to set up a compressed biogas (CBG) plant in the city. The project, expected to produce around 10 tonnes of CBG daily, will utilise municipal solid waste as feedstock, contributing to clean energy generation and efficient waste management. The CBG produced will be used in GAIL’s City Gas Distribution network to promote cleaner fuel usage. The initiative aligns with the government’s Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme and GAIL’s broader ..

Infrastructure Energy

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Uttarakhand HC Lifts 31-Year Ban on ONGC’s Contractual Hiring

The Uttarakhand High Court has lifted a 31-year-old ban on the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) from hiring contractual workers, a restriction imposed in 1993. The decision enables ONGC’s Dehradun establishment to employ personnel on a contractual basis to meet operational requirements. The long-standing prohibition had limited ONGC’s ability to fill vacancies in its technical and administrative departments, often leading to project delays and higher dependence on outsourcing. With the court’s directive, the public sector enterprise can now proceed with temporary recruitments whil..

Infrastructure Energy

23 Oct 2025

JSW Energy’s Utkal Unit Bags 400 MW, 25-Year Power Supply Deal

JSW Energy Limited announced that its subsidiary, JSW Energy (Utkal) Limited, has secured a Letter of Award (LoA) from Karnataka’s Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL) for the supply of 400 MW of electricity for 25 years. The agreement is part of a competitive bidding process for long-term procurement of power to meet the state’s growing energy demand. The 400 MW capacity will be supplied from JSW Energy’s upcoming thermal power project in Odisha. This development strengthens JSW Energy’s presence in the southern market and aligns with its strategy to enhance long-term contracte..