Thiruvananthapuram: Mayor V K Prashanth has said that tenders have been called for the implementation of the first phase of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut) scheme. He said that the corporation will spend Rs 6.63 crore in this fiscal under the scheme.

He added that the city`s biggest problem is waste and sewerage disposal. "At present the sewage treatment plant at Muttathara processes only 40% of its original capacity. This needs to be enhanced. The blocks where sewerage networks are missing will be covered under Amrut," said Prashanth.

Thiruvananthapuram has been allotted Rs 103.73 crore under the scheme, the biggest compared to other five corporations.

In the first phase of the scheme, city corporation has presented projects covering four areas; sewerage, storm-water drainage, urban transport and green spaces. Sewerage has received maximum funds amounting to Rs 3.72 crore and for storm water drainage Rs 2.5 crore.

The civic body which had earlier pegged water supply as a high priority area has put it on hold in the first phase considering the fact that the 45MLD water treatment plant planned at Rs 45 crores could not be realized in such a short span of time.