- Urban sanitation and civic amenity projects to gain momentum; Central Government to provide special technical support and guidance
- Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal launched the scheme; Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao joined the launch event virtually
- Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao congratulated both municipal corporations, sanitation workers, and city residents
Raipur and Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh have been included in the Government of India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ ambitious ‘PRAGATI-50’ scheme. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal launched the scheme today via video conferencing. With the inclusion of two cities from the state among the country’s 50 selected cities, Chhattisgarh’s urban development and sanitation efforts have gained national recognition under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Urban Administration and Development Shri Arun Sao.
Representatives and officials from the urban development departments and urban local bodies of the selected states participated in the launch event. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu joined the event from New Delhi, while Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao joined virtually from Rajnandgaon.
Chief Minister Shri Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sao congratulated the Raipur and Bilaspur municipal corporations, the sanitation workers of both cities, and the residents on this inclusion in ‘PRAGATI-50’. Raipur Mayor Smt. Minal Chaubey, Bilaspur Mayor Smt. Pooja Vidhani, and the Commissioners of both municipal corporations also participated in the event online. Initiative Launched Based on Directives from the Prime Minister’s ‘PRAGATI’ Meeting
Launched in accordance with directives from the 51st ‘PRAGATI’ meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this initiative focuses on rapidly strengthening sanitation and civic amenities in cities selected under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0. Fifty cities across the country have been included in the scheme. These cities will receive special technical support, continuous guidance, and intensive monitoring from the Central Government. Additionally, support will be provided to facilitate the adoption of best practices.
- Focus on Effective Waste Disposal and the Treatment, Reuse, and Proper Management of Used Water under ‘PRAGATI-50’
Under ‘PRAGATI-50’, special emphasis will be placed on door-to-door waste collection, scientific segregation and processing of waste, making solid waste management systems more effective and sustainable, and improving public sanitation facilities and urban cleanliness.
As part of this ambitious initiative by the Government of India, the program will promote the treatment, reuse, and proper management of used water and encourage the participation of citizens, institutions, and public representatives in sanitation campaigns; furthermore, the performance of the cities will be regularly reviewed and monitored based on established indicators.
- Result of the State’s Efforts
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Urban Administration and Development Shri Arun Sao, the state government is prioritizing sanitation, the expansion of public amenities, effective waste management, and improved service delivery in urban bodies. The selection of Raipur and Bilaspur for ‘PRAGATI-50’ is a result of these efforts by the state government. This achievement also reflects the active role played by both municipal corporations, the hard work of sanitation workers (‘Swachh Mitras’), and the cooperation of the citizens. A Model for Other Urban Bodies in the State
Through the ‘Pragati-50’ initiative, Raipur and Bilaspur will have the opportunity to adopt national-level best practices. Further improvements will be made in sanitation systems, waste management, used water management, and the quality of civic services in both cities. The experiences and innovations of these cities will serve as useful models for other urban local bodies across Chhattisgarh.
Congratulating the Urban Administration Department, officials from both municipal bodies, and the ‘Swachhata Mitras’ (sanitation workers) on the selection of Raipur and Bilaspur for this ambitious Government of India scheme, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao stated that the selection of these two cities is a matter of pride for the entire state. It is a tribute to the hard work of the sanitation workers and the active participation of the citizens. With the support of the Central Government, both cities will establish themselves among the nation’s leaders in the field of sanitation.