- Urban Local Bodies Should Prepare Development Projects Aligned with Future Needs: Chief Minister Mr. Sai
- Cities to Play a Crucial Role in Building a ‘Developed India’ (Viksit Bharat) and a ‘Developed Chhattisgarh’ (Viksit Chhattisgarh)
- Chief Minister Inaugurates First Regional Workshop on ‘Urban Challenge Fund’ and ‘Urban Invest Window’
- Two Key MoUs Signed to Give a New Direction to Urban Development; Urban Local Bodies to Receive Support for Financial, Technical, and Capacity Building
Our cities play a vital role in the creation of a ‘Developed India’ and a ‘Developed Chhattisgarh.’ Cities are not merely hubs for housing and civic amenities; they serve as the primary foundations for economic activity, industry, commerce, employment, and innovation. Therefore, the development of cities in Chhattisgarh should not be limited to current requirements alone; rather, it must be well-planned, inclusive, sustainable, and economically viable—keeping in mind the needs of the coming decades. Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai stated this while inaugurating the first regional workshop on the ‘Urban Challenge Fund’ (UCF) and ‘Urban Invest Window’ (UiWIN), held at the Mayfair Lake Resort in Naya Raipur. The workshop was organized jointly by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) and the Urban Administration and Development Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai remarked that under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, urban development in the country has gained a fresh perspective and new momentum. Innovative initiatives like the Urban Challenge Fund offer a significant opportunity to transform cities into modern, well-equipped, economically empowered, and self-reliant urban centers. He urged the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Chhattisgarh to make the most of this opportunity by developing high-quality projects that not only improve the lives of citizens but also strengthen the urban economy.
- Two Key MoUs to Strengthen Urban Development
During the workshop, two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, aimed at bolstering urban development, improving the management of financial resources, and enhancing the technical and institutional capacity of the state’s Urban Local Bodies. The first MoU was signed between HUDCO and the Urban Administration and Development Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, while the second MoU was concluded between the Urban Administration and Development Department and CEPT University.
Describing these agreements as a significant initiative toward the state’s urban development, Chief Minister Mr. Sai stated that they would assist urban local bodies in preparing better development project plans, mobilizing financial resources, acquiring technical expertise, and fostering training and institutional capacity building. This will accelerate the creation of high-quality projects tailored to the actual needs of the cities, as well as their effective implementation.
He emphasized that a strong partnership between specialized urban development institutions, financial organizations, and the government is the need of the hour. Such institutional collaboration will play a crucial role in preparing Chhattisgarh’s cities to meet future requirements.
- The Vital Role of the Urban Economy in the Goal of a Developed Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Mr. Sai noted that Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has set a resolve to build a ‘Developed India’ (Viksit Bharat) by the year 2047. In line with this, the Government of Chhattisgarh has prepared a vision document for a ‘Developed Chhattisgarh’ (Viksit Chhattisgarh) and is working in ‘mission mode’ to bring it to fruition.
Chief Minister Mr. Sai stated that the objective is to develop cities that attract investment, foster a conducive environment for industry and commerce, create new employment opportunities, and provide citizens with high-quality basic amenities. Well-planned urbanization will serve as a strong foundation for a developed Chhattisgarh.
- Seeking Permanent Solutions to Urban Challenges
Chief Minister Mr. Sai urged urban local bodies to ensure that development plans are not merely focused on addressing current issues, but also account for the needs of the coming decades. Amidst rapid urbanization, long-term planning is essential for drinking water, drainage, roads, electricity, sanitation, transport, and other civic amenities.
Referring to the issue of waterlogging in cities, the Chief Minister stressed the need for a permanent solution to the hardships faced by citizens during the rainy season. This requires the development of an effective and long-term drainage system. The Chief Minister also drew attention to the issue of haphazardly laid cables and wires for electricity and other utility services. He noted that in many places, situations arise where these wires must be lifted manually to allow the passage of processions or large vehicles. This is neither appropriate from the perspective of public safety nor in line with modern urban infrastructure standards. Plans should be developed to move electricity and other utility cables underground wherever feasible.
He further emphasized the need for better coordination among various departments in the development of cities. Functions such as water supply, road infrastructure, electricity, drainage, and sanitation should not be handled in isolation; rather, they must be integrated into a comprehensive urban planning framework.
- Public Representatives Should Plan for the Future of Their Cities
Addressing the mayors, municipal council and town panchayat presidents, and officials present at the workshop, Chief Minister Mr. Sai stated that the public has entrusted them with the significant responsibility of developing their cities. Therefore, their priority should be to understand the actual needs and challenges of their respective cities and seek sustainable solutions.
He added that the ‘Urban Challenge Fund’ presents a major opportunity for urban local bodies. All such bodies should [examine] its provisions…Study the subject thoroughly, engage in dialogue with experts, and develop projects that are technically robust, beneficial to citizens, and economically viable.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the technical guidance and expert suggestions provided during this workshop would steer the state’s urban development in a new direction. Through the coordinated efforts of the government, public representatives, urban local bodies, and expert organizations, cities in Chhattisgarh will be transformed into clean, beautiful, well-organized, well-equipped, and self-reliant spaces.
- Ensuring the Benefits of Development Reach the Last Person
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government—guided by the core mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas’ (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all, and Effort of all)—is working to ensure that the fruits of development reach the very last person in society.
He noted that through the ‘PM-JANMAN’ scheme, essential amenities such as roads, electricity, housing, and drinking water are being extended to the settlements of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Furthermore, the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ has provided fresh momentum to the holistic development of tribal regions.
Highlighting the expansion of rail infrastructure in the state, the Chief Minister mentioned that Chhattisgarh has been consistently receiving significant railway-related projects. The extension of rail connectivity to the Rowghat area in Bastar and the launch of rail services from Raipur to Kurud are major milestones for the state’s development.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Chhattisgarh is a state rich in natural and mineral resources. Its fertile land, abundant resources, and hardworking citizens are its greatest strengths. Successes achieved against Naxalism—driven by the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the firm resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, and the indomitable courage of the security forces—have strengthened new prospects for development and investment in the state.
He urged everyone to work together to further reinforce the identity of ‘Chhattisgarhia Sable Badhiya’ (Chhattisgarh is the best) and to build a Chhattisgarh that plays a leading role in the creation of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by the year 2047. ‘Urban Challenge Fund’ of Rs 1 Lakh Crore: A Major Opportunity for Cities – Mr. Arun Sao
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Urban Administration and Development, Mr. Arun Sao, stated that the Government of India has allocated Rs 1 lakh crore for the ‘Urban Challenge Fund’. This presents a significant opportunity for the development of cities in Chhattisgarh. The challenge now lies in how effectively the state’s urban local bodies can prepare high-quality and viable projects to secure maximum resources from this fund.
He noted that the world is evolving rapidly, and with the advancement of technology, the expectations of citizens are also shifting. Consequently, the approach toward urban development must likewise evolve. Future requirements cannot be met by relying solely on traditional methods; urban local bodies must embrace innovation and modern technology.
Addressing public representatives, Mr. Sao remarked that the very cities that provided us with our identity, education, values, and opportunities for growth have now entrusted us with the responsibility of leadership. This is an opportunity to give back to our cities. Every public representative should resolve to undertake initiatives during their tenure that will continue to benefit future generations.
He emphasized that the success of a project is not determined merely by its construction. From the outset, there must be a clear plan regarding its utility, operation, maintenance, and financial viability. It is the collective responsibility of all to ensure that every single rupee of public money is utilized effectively.
- ‘Urban Challenge Fund’ to Provide a New Foundation for Urban Development – Mr. Tokhan Sahu
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr. Tokhan Sahu, stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, urban development in the country has taken a new direction. Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), Swachh Bharat Mission, and AMRUT Mission have expanded civic amenities and brought about significant improvements in the standard of living for the people.
He pointed out that rapid urbanization has led to an ever-increasing demand for civic infrastructure—including housing, drinking water, roads, transport, and sanitation. To address this, it is essential to make urban local bodies financially empowered and self-reliant. The Urban Challenge Fund provides a significant opportunity in this regard.
Mr. Sahu stated that development projects must not only be useful to citizens but also economically viable. In addition to government assistance, options such as bank financing, market-based resources, and public-private partnerships should be utilized effectively.
Citing innovations like waste-to-energy generation in Jabalpur, and water management and technology-based monitoring systems in Hyderabad, he urged the urban local bodies in Chhattisgarh to study these successful initiatives from across the country and adapt them to suit local conditions.
- Support for expertise, finance, and capacity building
During the workshop, experts provided guidance on various aspects of the Urban Challenge Fund and the Urban Invest Window, covering topics such as mobilizing financial resources for urban development, project viability, modern urban planning, and effective implementation.
Agreements signed between the Urban Administration and Development Department, HUDCO, and CEPT University will provide support to the state’s urban local bodies in areas including project formulation, financial management, technical expertise, training, and institutional capacity building.
Present on the occasion were the mayors of all 14 municipal corporations in the state, chairpersons of municipalities, Principal Secretary of the Urban Administration and Development Department Mr. Sonmoni Borah, and HUDCO CMD Mr. Sanjay Kulshreshtha.Present at the event were Dr. T. K. Sridevi, Secretary of the Urban Administration and Development Department; Mr. Barjor Mehta, President of CEPT University; Mr. Nilesh Mahadev Kshirsagar, Director of the Urban Administration and Development Department; and Mr. Sumit Agrawal, Chief Executive Officer of SUDA, along with various public representatives, experts, and senior officials.