JICA extends INR 1,864 Crore’s ODA Loan for the Nag River Pollution Abatement Project in Nagpur
JICA is committed to improving the water quality of the Nag River Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an agreement with the Government of India to provide an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of 29,082 million Japanese Yen (approximately INR 1,864 Crore) for the Nag River Pollution Reduction Project.
The project aims to improve water quality by reducing contamination of the Nag River and Pili River in Nagpur, Maharashtra, by establishing suitable sewerage systems in associated river basins, thereby contributing to the improvement of the urban environment.
Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, JICA India have signed the ODA loan agreement.
Speaking on the occasion, JICA India Chief Delegate, Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto said, “The Project is aligned with 2014 announced ‘Clean India Plan: Swachh Bharat Plan’ and ‘Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.’ The project will tackle serious issues facing Nagpur people in Maharashtra regarding water supply and sewerage systems in addition to improving the urban climate, as outlined in the “Three Year Plan for Action 2017-2018 to 2019-20” by NITI Aayog. We believe the project will not only enhance water and sewerage services in the area but will also help improve the quality of life, thereby fostering regional growth. “Nagpur Area is rapidly growing and urbanizing with a population of 2.5 million people. The region concerned is heavily contaminated as a result of the polluted rivers, which has adverse effects on the living environment of people residing in river basins in north and central areas.
This project will lead to the substantial improvement of the water quality of Nag River and Pili River, thereby leading to the improvement of poverty and urban environmental issues, which is not only aligned with the urban development policies of the Government of India but also in line with the Country Assistance Policy for India of Japan (March 2016). In addition, the project is deemed to contribute to Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals, namely “Ensuring accessibility and sustainable water and sanitation management for all” and JICA’s need to support the implementation of this project is strong.
National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD), Jal Shakti Ministry, Government of India will be the executing agency for the implementation period of the project including overall project management, monitoring and reporting.
Japan’s help to India’s water and sanitation sector consists of ODA loans of over 722 billion Japanese Yen (around INR 48,000 Crore) for various projects in Maharashtra, Assam, Odisha, Goa, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka among other states.
