Cities’ development plans should be framed keeping ‘100 Years of Independence’ in View: Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, stated that funds allocated by the Central Government for urban development must be fully and timely utilised. He emphasised that the vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047, as envisaged by Narendra Modi, can be realised only through close coordination between the Central and State Governments.

The Union Minister addressed the Regional Conference of Urban Development Ministers from Northern and Central States at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre on Saturday. The meeting was attended by urban development ministers, Ministers of State, and senior officials from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. On the occasion, Shri Manohar Lal also released the operational guideline booklet for Swachh Survekshan 2025–26.

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal stated that by 2047, nearly 50 per cent of India’s population is expected to reside in urban areas. He said that urban development schemes should be planned and implemented in line with this projection to realise the vision of a developed and self-reliant India. He informed that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has decided to hold region-wise review meetings with States to ensure effective implementation of schemes. Highlighting the diversity of geographical conditions and challenges across States, he said that while the Central Government provides support, the primary responsibility for implementation rests with State Governments.

Prepare a concrete action plan

The Union Minister said that the regional meeting primarily focused on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission, and urban transport systems. Expressing concern over houses constructed but not yet allotted under PMAY (Urban), he stressed the need for effective financial participation by beneficiaries. He reiterated that “Housing for All” is a flagship program of the Central Government and said that participation of the private real estate sector should also be encouraged to achieve this objective.

Urban local bodies in Madhya Pradesh are being made self-reliant

Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya stated that urban local bodies in the State are being strengthened to become economically and technically self-reliant. He informed that sewerage works are being prioritised in cities situated along the Narmada River and that the State Government has resolved to ensure that no untreated wastewater is discharged into the river. He said that GIS-based property mapping in urban areas has led to an increase of up to 150 per cent in property tax collection. Shri Vijayvargiya requested Central assistance for the completion of pending works under the AMRUT scheme.

Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, Srinivas Katikithala, joined the meeting through video conferencing and briefed participants on the objectives of the conference.

Urban local bodies in Madhya Pradesh are being made self-reliant

During the event, a video presentation prepared by the Urban Development and Housing Department was screened, showcasing citizen-centric online services, judicious water use initiatives, the Urban Locker system, vehicle fuel monitoring, and other digital services. At the outset, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development and Housing, Sanjay Dubey, and Commissioner, Urban Development, Sanket Bhondwe, presented key achievements of the department.

Discussion held during the session

Following the inaugural session, detailed deliberations were held between State and Central Government officials on scheme implementation. It was informed that under PMAY (Urban), 8.79 lakh houses have been completed out of 9.46 lakh sanctioned, placing Madhya Pradesh among the leading States in terms of housing completion. Under PMAY 2.0, approval has already been granted for 60,000 houses. Central officials emphasised that State Governments must ensure the safety and quality of houses constructed for beneficiaries.

Additional Chief Secretary Shri Sanjay Dubey informed that to address the housing needs of workers in industrial areas, affordable housing projects are being developed in collaboration with industrialists. Progress under PM e-Bus Sewa was also reviewed, with officials stating that development of bus depots and charging infrastructure is progressing rapidly. Central officials advised that for proposed metro projects in emerging metropolitan cities of Madhya Pradesh, preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) should be prioritised.

Regarding AMRUT, it was informed that approvals have been issued in over 6,500 cases and that strict action is being taken against blacklisted contractors, including recent action against 40 such contractors. Discussions were also held on AMRUT 3.0, during which Central officials suggested enhanced participation of women in water quality testing activities.

On the Swachh Bharat Mission, Central officials noted that Madhya Pradesh has achieved significant progress in cleanliness and stressed the need to further accelerate efforts in legacy waste remediation and solid waste management. It was informed that proposals for setting up nine CNG plants in the State have been submitted, which would be a major achievement. Officials also highlighted that Indore’s bio-CNG plant has earned national recognition.

The meeting was attended by Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Uttar Pradesh Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma, Rajasthan Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra, Uttar Pradesh Ministers of State Rakesh Rathore and Pratima Bagri, along with senior officials of the Central and State Governments.