Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has repeated that his government is keen on planned and modern city development with special attention on the development of sewage, drainage, drinking, water supply and underground electricity cables.
The Chief Minister delivered the Keynote address at the Urban Challenge Fund Conclave on improving the basic infrastructure of the urban city at the centre in Raipur and pointed out how to solve the recurring issues including water logging during monsoon. He said sometimes in flooded conditions, boats are being required to be put on the roads where they shouldn’t be.
Sai highlighted the importance of enhancing urban infrastructure to make urban life better and to build urban resilience against future challenges.
Two MoUs Signed for Planned Urban Development
Two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) had been inked to support development of planned cities in Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister said. These pacts are anticipated to not only provide financial aid, but technical help and expert advice.
The co-development would bring about different solutions to the issues already present in the cities, and it would also make it possible to make the development plans based on the future needs of the city.
The state government is also making efforts toward urbanization with the Mukhyamantri Shahari Samriddhi Yojana and Nagarotthan Yojana. It is hoped that more opportunities will arise to develop infrastructure through the Centre’s Urban Challenge Fund.
Focus on Drainage, Sewage and Underground Power Cables
Sai urged the development of sewage system and drainage system in urban areas in Chhattisgarh, to reduce waterlogging problem during rains. He has emphasised on the need for proactive step from mayors and urban local bodies to resolve issues for the residents of urban areas so that similar problems do not recur.
The government will also strive to make underground electricity cabling possible wherever possible, for safety reasons. There is also a need to ensure good management of drinking water supplies which is viewed as one of the priorities.
Vision for a Developed India by 2047
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister presented a vision of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi’s programme to shape a developed India by the year 2047, stating that planned, modern and sustainable cities would have an important role to play in that.
He also gave an outline of the ambition of the state government on the economic growth of Chhattisgarh, as it is hovering at a target to boost its GDP to Rs 75 lakh crore from Rs 6 lakh crore, positioning urban growth as an indispensable element to its economic growth.
Post-Naxalism Development Push
Sai called Naxalism as “one of the biggest hurdles in the development of the state” and if the state would have to free itself of this, it should happen at a faster pace in the state.
He also hoped that the conclave in Raipur would be a step towards the development of cities of Chhattisgarh keeping pace with the plans and modernization process.
The Chief Minister observed that synergy between the central and state governments, technical support coupled with efficient utilisation of financial resources would play a key role in improving the urban facilities and elevating standard of living for the people.