Twin-cities included in JNNURM programme - Hubli

Twin-cities included in JNNURM programme - Hubli - City - NEWS - The Times of India

Twin-cities included in JNNURM programme
TNN 13 July 2009, 10:36pm IST
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HUBLI: It's a dream come true for the residents of Hubli-Dharwad as the twin-cities found a place in the UPA government's flagship programme of
Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission Union (JNNURM).

The twin-cities had just missed by a whisker to Mysore on the previous occasion. Though it had all requirements to make it to the reforms-linked investment scheme, the Royal City was preferred over Hubli-Dharwad due to its heritage and tourism tag.

Protests and demonstrations had made headlines after the list of cities selected under JNNURM was announced with no mention of the twin-cities. Even there was no dearth for mud-slinging.

MP Prahlad Joshi had held then former chief minister N Dharam Singh responsible for that, saying that he had sent names of more than the required number of cities for inclusion under JNNURM.

Felt let down by the Centre, H D Kumaraswamy government had even made several representations to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and urban development minister Jaipal Reddy. Sonia, during a visit to Bangalore, had also promised to include Hubli-Dharwad in JNNURM if the state government sent a proposal.

The campaign, demanding the inclusion of Hubli-Dharwad under JNNURM, received a shot in the arm when some non-resident Indians joined the crusade. Natives of Hubli-Dharwad residing overseas had launched a chain of protests by observing a day-long fast to express their solidarity.

Nagesh Tavarageri, a resident of Cerritos (USA), had initiated an e-movement through a group website through which they sent hundreds of online representations to the President, PM and urban development minister.

District in-charge minister Murugsh Nirani said this will take the twin-cities to newer heights in infrastructure development and in attracting investment. MLC A M Hindasageri and mayor Veeranna Savadi said the twin-cities can now hope for better urban facilities.

What is JNNURM?

It's a central government's initiative aimed at encouraging reforms and fast-track planned development of identified cities. Its objectives include integrated development of infrastructure services, ensuring adequate funds to fulfill deficiencies, planned development of cities, provision of services for the urban poor, redevelopment of old cities and secure effective linkages between assets creation and asset management.

Its components comprise urban renewal, water supply (including desalination and sewerage), solid waste management, storm water drains, urban transport, parking spaces on PPP basis, development of heritage areas, preservation if water bodies among others.