KARIMNAGAR: Union Minister for Housing, Power, and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar announced that the Union government is set to provide about one crore houses for the poor. Telangana will receive a higher allocation than initially planned.
He, along with Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, state ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, inaugurated several Smart City projects and a 24x7 drinking water scheme for four divisions in Karimnagar on Friday.
Speaking at a public meeting after the inaugurations, Khattar highlighted the completion of various projects under the Smart City initiative, including an integrated park costing 8.2 crore, a sports complex costing Rs 18 crore, digital classrooms at Kumarwadi High School, and a 24x7 drinking water supply system worth Rs 18 crore. He noted that these initiatives are part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has provided tap water connections to 12 crore households across India, including 38.8 lakh in Telangana.
Khattar also stated that the Union Government allocated `428 crore to Karimnagar under the Smart City Mission, while the State Government contributed Rs 398 crore. He also praised Karimnagar as a symbol of courage and spirit.
Earlier, Union Minister of State Bandi Sanjay Kumar and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar requested additional funds to address the dumping yard issue. MLA Gangula Kamalakar submitted a representation seeking `300 crore to extend the 24x7 drinking water supply to more divisions. He also appealed for the continuation of the stalled Manair River Front project.
State Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy expressed dissatisfaction with the Union Government’s allocation of only 0.7% of houses instead of the promised 8%. He urged the government to provide housing for those displaced by the Musi Riverfront project.
Khattar inspected the dumping yard near Manair river and assured that the Union Government would allocate adequate funds to reduce and lift garbage using advanced technology.