Centre to provide full support for planned urban development in State: Union Minister Shri Khattar

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Shri Manohar Lal Khattar said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a Vikasit Bharat by 2047, with cities playing a crucial role in achieving this goal. He assured that the Central Government will fully support Madhya Pradesh for planned urban development. Minister Shri Khattar was speaking at a session on ‘Unlocking Land Value’ organized by the Urban Administration during the Global Investors Summit on Tuesday.

Union Urban Affairs Minister Shri Khattar stated that three policies have been introduced for the planned development of cities in Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant step by the state government. Highlighting the vast development potential in the state’s urban areas, he emphasized the need to focus on densely populated cities for balanced growth. Discussing the Bhopal and Indore metro projects, Union Minister Shri Khattar stressed that metro expansion should be planned to ensure benefits for all sections of society. He also called for a comprehensive plan for the development of metropolitan cities and an accurate assessment of the growing urban population. On urban transportation, he noted that the Central Government is promoting environmental sustainability through the Electric Vehicle Policy. He underscored the importance of controlling carbon emissions and urged for greater awareness of the incentive policy on carbon credits.

Investment to be encouraged for development in urban areas

Urban Development and Housing Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya said during the session that efforts are underway to enhance revenue sources for urban bodies in Madhya Pradesh. He highlighted that the recently introduced Integrated Township Policy will lead to the comprehensive development of cities. Minister Shri Vijayvargiya informed that the state government has provided significant concessions to developers and builders under the new housing policies. He also mentioned the redevelopment of Hukumchand Mill land in Indore. He announced that cities of the state will be made greener. Builders and developers incorporating green spaces in colonies will receive special incentives from the government. During the session, discussions focused on the MP Integrated Policy, Re-densification, and Madhya Pradesh Housing Redevelopment Policy. Principal Secretary of Urban Administration Shri Sanjay Kumar Shukla said that administrative officials will now hold discussions with builders and developers every three months. He also assured improvements in the single-window system of local bodies to enhance transparency. The session was attended by Cooperative Minister Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang, Minister of State for Urban Administration Smt. Pratima Bagri, and Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai.

Discussion with Mayors

Union Minister Shri Khattar and Urban Development Minister Shri Vijayvargiya discussed with the Mayors of Municipal Corporations of the state. He said that to make an ideal Municipal Corporation, local bodies will have to focus on increasing income.