Is the Government Committed to Sufficient Civic Amenities in Urban Areas?
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Synopsis
Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasizes the government’s pledge to enhance urban infrastructure and civic facilities. With a focus on timely project completion, he aims to improve sanitation, housing, and transportation in cities, ensuring that citizens benefit quickly from developmental efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Commitment to urban development is a priority for the Rajasthan government.
- Quality housing is to be provided by the Rajasthan Housing Board.
- Encroachments along the Dravyavati River are to be removed.
- Infrastructure projects aim to ease traffic congestion in Jaipur.
- Emphasis on public-private partnerships for innovative project execution.
Jaipur, Aug 18 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has reaffirmed the state's commitment to enhancing planned urban development and ensuring essential civic amenities in urban settings.
During a review meeting at the Chief Minister's Office, he urged officials to ensure that urban development projects are completed promptly, emphasizing the importance of quality and consistent oversight to allow the public to reap the benefits as soon as possible.
Sharma highlighted that the government's main focus is to fortify basic services in urban locales, which encompass infrastructure, sanitation, drinking water, roadways, sewerage, solid waste management, and housing.
He tasked the Rajasthan Housing Board with optimizing its assets and aligning its projects with contemporary consumer demands. He encouraged the Board to rival private developers by providing high-quality housing at competitive prices.
Additionally, he instructed that its initiatives be widely promoted, projects be made innovative, and that there be encouragement for private sector involvement.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that encroachments along the Dravyavati River in Jaipur should be prioritized for removal, with plans to develop the area into a tourism hotspot accompanied by plantation initiatives.
Sharma reviewed the advancement of significant infrastructure projects such as the elevated roads at Riddhi-Siddhi Crossing and Apex Circle to alleviate traffic congestion in Jaipur. He directed officials to launch the upcoming Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Urban Development Scheme focusing on sewerage, drainage, parks, and mobility planning.
He insisted on the prompt preparation of NITs, tenders, work orders, and DPRs for pending budget announcements, emphasizing that projects should be executed in phases with explicit accountability at each stage.
He also called for the acceleration of Jaipur Metro Phase-2 (from Sitapura to Ambabadi and Vidyadhar Nagar) and to fast-track housing initiatives in Badli, Jodhpur, along with the establishment of the Bhiwadi Development Authority.
Sharma stressed that land allocation for all budget announcements for the years 2025–26 should be expedited for timely project execution.
Additionally, the Chief Minister reviewed sewerage and drainage initiatives in Barmer, Dholpur, Phulera, Surajgarh, Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Taranagar, Churu, Nagar, and Sikri-Deeg. He mandated the timely completion of these projects for enhanced sanitation and traffic management.
He also directed that solid waste processing facilities in Alwar, Pali, Bhilwara, Dausa, Hanumangarh, and Jhunjhunu be operationalized promptly with adequate publicity, along with seminars focused on agricultural stakeholders.
Furthermore, he stated that modern shelter-cum-charging stations should be set up to facilitate the smooth operation of e-buses in urban regions.
The meeting also evaluated the progress of announcements made in the Budgets for 2024–25 and 2025–26. Present were Minister of State for Urban Development (Independent Charge) Jhabar Singh Kharra, Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, and senior departmental officials.
Point of View
The focus on urban development in Rajasthan reflects a broader trend of prioritizing infrastructure and civic amenities across India. As urbanization accelerates, it is imperative for state governments to ensure that essential services keep pace with population growth. The commitment shown by Rajasthan's leadership is commendable and sets a precedent for other states.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of Rajasthan's urban development initiatives?
The main focus is to enhance basic facilities such as infrastructure, sanitation, drinking water, roads, sewerage, solid waste management, and housing in urban areas.
How is the Rajasthan Housing Board expected to compete with private developers?
The Housing Board is instructed to optimize its properties and offer quality housing at reasonable prices, competing effectively with private developers.
What measures are being taken for the Dravyavati River area?
The government plans to remove encroachments along the Dravyavati River and develop the area as a tourism hub with plantation drives.
What infrastructure projects are being prioritized in Jaipur?
Key projects include elevated roads at Riddhi-Siddhi Crossing and Apex Circle, as well as the implementation of the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Urban Development Scheme.
What is the significance of the Jaipur Metro Phase-2?
The Jaipur Metro Phase-2 aims to enhance urban mobility, making transportation more efficient for residents in the Sitapura to Ambabadi and Vidyadhar Nagar routes.
