The Tamil Nadu government has launched an independent environmental and social audit of 28 major water supply and underground sewerage projects in 21 urban local bodies. This initiative is part of the Tamil Nadu Climate Resilient Urban Development Programme (TNCRUDP), a six-year World Bank-assisted project running from 2024 to 2030. The audit aims to ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards during project execution.
Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Ltd (TNUIFSL), the implementing agency, has called for bids to appoint an independent consultant for the audit. The assessment will focus on whether urban local bodies and implementing agencies have adhered to the prescribed safeguards while carrying out projects between 2024 and 2025. The audit covers various infrastructure works, including sewerage schemes and water supply improvement projects.
The audit will categorize findings into compliance, non-compliance, best practices, and areas needing improvement. In cases of identified shortcomings, the consultant will revisit projects post-implementation of corrective measures to ensure compliance before submitting the final report. Additionally, a detailed study on manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning practices is a crucial aspect of this assignment.
The comprehensive study on manual scavenging and hazardous sewer cleaning will evaluate the policy framework, gaps in implementation by urban bodies, and safety practices. It will also analyze incidents through field visits and consultations with relevant stakeholders. The three-month assignment will involve submitting preliminary and draft reports for review before the final report is presented to the implementing agencies and the World Bank.
