GEF-UNIDO team studies VMC projects

A high-level delegation, comprising representatives from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), convened for a thorough assessment at the Command Control Room of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) on Tuesday. The mission aimed to evaluate the progress of the GEF-funded Vijayawada Municipal Corporation project, totalling approximately Rs 12 crore, as well as ongoing and proposed projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. As part of the assessment, the team also visited the Jindal Waste to Energy plant in Guntur.
Addressing the delegation, the Municipal Commissioner of Vijayawada provided insights into the GEF-funded project titled “Rejuvenation of STPs and DP Stations and Installation of Biogas Energy Plants in VMC.” Emphasising the project’s impact on reducing carbon emissions and lowering Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in line with National Green Tribunal (NGT) norms, the commissioner outlined the positive outcomes. The discussion further delved into other PPP projects in Vijayawada, such as E3 & Rajiv Gandhi Park, KL Rao Park, and others, capturing the team’s attention. Subsequently, the team conducted a field visit to the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation.
The GEF-UNIDO Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Programme (SCIAP) initiative is currently underway in 28 cities across 11 developing nations, including five pilot cities in India (Mysuru, Jaipur, Bhopal, Vijayawada, and Guntur). In collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, SCIAP aims to contribute to sustainable development by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The four key components under UNIDO SCIAP India in Vijayawada include strategic sustainable city planning, investment and technology demonstration projects, capacity building for municipal officials and elected representatives in water and sanitation sectors, and assistance in improving the financial creditworthiness of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).