Tamil Nadu: Development work progresses at a fast pace with Rs 28,227 crore allocated to MAWS

Chennai: Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the state’s interim budget. The Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) department was allocated ₹28,227 crore for various development projects undertaken over the past five years. This funding is aimed at addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization, focusing on infrastructure, water security, and public welfare. Under the Kalaignar Nagarapura Membattu Thittam, ₹5,300 crore has been provided over the past five years. This scheme has facilitated over 10,226 projects, ranging from road improvements and community halls to modern libraries and gas crematoriums. Furthermore, the Singara Chennai 2.0 initiative is also gaining momentum, with 1,227 projects worth ₹2,491 crore, of which 1,123 have already been completed. 101 libraries and knowledge centers have been built at various municipal corporations and municipalities at a cost of ₹199 crore. Mudhalvar Padaippagangal (CM Spaces) are being built at 30 locations across Tamil Nadu to benefit students and entrepreneurs at a cost of ₹104 crore. To improve the city’s aging water infrastructure, ₹809 crore has been allocated to repair drinking water schemes that are over 40 years old. These 116 ongoing projects aim to increase efficiency and expand water sources across the region. Priority has been given to the government’s flagship Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam (North Chennai Development Scheme), estimated to cost approximately ₹6,045 crore. This massive plan aims to promote balanced growth by improving bus terminals, housing, healthcare facilities, coastal areas, water bodies, parks, and sports infrastructure; Build electric crematoriums; upgrade substations and power transformers; and build polytechnic colleges.