The Union and the Maharashtra governments have approved over Rs 5.50 billion for Malegaon town to set up underground drainage and sewerage systems and overhaul the water supply mechanism, according to guardian minister Dada Bhuse.

The project will be implemented under the Centre’s Amrut (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme. Bhuse said when the project is completed, there will be a sea change in the city’s drainage and water supply system.

The bidders will be finalised by Diwali and the project is likely to be rolled out by the end of this year, added Bhuse, the MLA from Malegaon Outer assembly constituency. The Centre would bear 50% cost, while 20% and 30% would be borne by the state government and Malegaon Municipal Corporation respectively. The project is to be completed within three years.

 Malegaon civic chief Bhalchandra Gosavi said the twin projects would be a boon for the textile town. “For the first time in the history of Malegaon town, underground drainage and sewerage system will be set up for over 130 km and sewage treatment plants (STPs) would be constructed to treat the waste.

For augmenting the water supply system, over Rs 930 million have been earmarked, with which the water supply pipes that are over four decades old would be replaced so that residents get water at good pressure.