The Union Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation sanctioned 27 new schemes involving an investment of Rs 217.54 crore during the year 2002-03 for the North-Eastern States and Sikkim. The new projects include upgradation of Guwahati roads at a cost of Rs 24.26 crore, storm water disposal scheme for Noormati in Guwahati (Rs 24.68 crore), apart from water supply, sewage disposal, urban development and road schemes in the other States.