Nashik: NMC Ranks First In Country Under Centre’s Urban Challenge Fund
Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has secured the top position in the country under the Urban Challenge Fund, an initiative announced by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Nashik has outperformed other cities in both obtaining project approvals and securing funding. Of the total projects approved nationwide so far, four are located in Nashik. Work on the projects is…
Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has claimed the top spot in the country under the Centre's Urban Challenge Fund, a scheme announced by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The city has surpassed others in both securing project approvals and obtaining funding. Out of all approved projects nationwide, four are situated in Nashik. About 30% of the work on these projects has already been completed, leading to the city's impressive ranking.
The Urban Challenge Fund, running from 2025-26 to 2030-31, aims to shift cities away from reliance on government grants and towards alternative funding sources like municipal bonds, public-private partnerships (PPP) and bank loans. The scheme operates on three main pillars: water supply and sanitation, urban redevelopment and transforming cities into development hubs.
NMC will receive ₹51 crore in funding for its four projects by the end of November, with the goal of completing all work by March 2027. The largest project is a ₹400 crore pipeline and water purification plant, for which ₹100 crore has been allocated, and 32% of the work is completed. Other initiatives include the 'Clean Godavari Mission' for the ₹225 crore Godavari River clean-up, ₹15.63 crore for the redevelopment of Nashik's Ramkal Path pathway and a ₹10 crore bio-power generation plant under the PPP model.
These projects, focused on water supply, sanitation and environmental improvement, are set to be completed in time for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
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