To keep lakes and ponds located in the urban areas of the state free from pollution, the Urban Development and Housing Department is running a conservation and promotion scheme. Under this scheme, so far a grant amount of Rs 74 crore has been released for the projects of 48 ponds in 41 urban bodies.
Under the scheme, grants are being provided by the state government to urban bodies for works such as preventing erosion along the boundaries of lakes and ponds, constructing boundary walls around them, dense plantation, and installation of lamps and fountains. Urban bodies are also using this grant for stopping wastewater discharge, establishing treatment systems, and laying sewer pipelines along the edges of lakes and ponds.
The percentage of grant provided to urban bodies under the scheme has also been determined. Municipal corporations receive 60% of the total project cost as a state grant, municipal councils receive 75%, and city councils receive 90%. For the remaining amount, the concerned urban bodies have been instructed to arrange the funds through their own income generation.
