The 14th state high-power steering committee meeting for Amrit 2.0, held on Thursday, has cleared 20 critical projects with an estimated investment of Rs 452.51 crore. These projects, which span across several districts, aim to address vital civic needs, ranging from drinking water supply improvements to the rejuvenation of lakes and parks. Headed by Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, the committee’s approval marks an essential step towards enhancing the state’s infrastructure while focusing on eco-friendly and sustainable urban development.
Among the approved initiatives, seven projects are dedicated to enhancing the drinking water supply across various Nagar Palikas and Panchayats. These include the Nagar Panchayat Chakia in Chandauli, Nagar Palika Parishad Maharajganj, Kulpahar Nagar Panchayat in Mahoba, and Nagar Palika Parishad Kalpi in Jalaun, among others. These efforts come at a critical time when improving water access is necessary for meeting the rising demands of urban populations in smaller towns and cities. The focus on drinking water infrastructure is in line with the state’s long-term objective of ensuring sustainable and equitable water access for all citizens, which is central to creating resilient urban spaces. In addition to the drinking water initiatives, several lake and park development projects have been green-lit. The restoration of ponds such as the Devrani Jethani Pond and the rejuvenation of the Kishore Sagar Pond in Kulpahar highlight the state’s commitment to preserving natural water bodies that play a key role in maintaining local ecosystems and promoting community engagement with nature. Similarly, the beautification of parks and green areas in towns like Jamalpur in Mau and the restoration of the Indaura Pond in Sitapur underscore the ongoing effort to revamp urban green spaces, contributing to both environmental sustainability and public well-being.
The Amrit 2.0 initiative, which seeks to address the pressing challenges of urbanisation, aims not only at the physical development of infrastructure but also at creating more liveable and sustainable cities. By integrating natural water bodies and parks into urban development plans, the government seeks to provide citizens with better quality of life while mitigating the urban heat island effect and promoting ecological balance. The development of these spaces is expected to enhance the aesthetic value of the cities and serve as recreational spots for residents, improving social cohesion and well-being. With the population of Uttar Pradesh growing rapidly, the importance of such infrastructure projects cannot be overstated. As urban areas continue to expand, ensuring that basic amenities such as drinking water and public spaces are well-managed will be crucial for fostering sustainable growth. These projects not only align with the state’s goals of building zero-carbon cities but also represent a proactive step in balancing urban development with environmental preservation.
The approval of these projects underlines the state’s focus on making cities more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient in the face of future challenges. As these projects unfold, they will undoubtedly contribute to the long-term growth of Uttar Pradesh, helping create cities that cater to the needs of their inhabitants while reducing their environmental impact.