Patna, April 27 (IANS) Bihar CM Samrat Chaudhary on Monday evening chaired a high-level review meeting at ‘Samvad’ in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, assessing the progress of major schemes under the Departments of Urban Development and Housing, Panchayati Raj, and Tourism.​

He directed officials to ensure accelerated execution, transparency, and quality in all ongoing projects.​

During the meeting, Vinay Kumar, principal secretary of urban development and housing, presented a comprehensive update on key initiatives, including city master plans, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), Patna Metro, and advertising regulations.​

He also briefed the Chief Minister on the status of major centrally sponsored schemes, including AMRUT, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), and Swachh Bharat Mission.​

Updates were also shared on departmental initiatives like solid waste management, sanitation, CCTV installation in urban local bodies, solar lighting, and drainage/sewage systems.​

Aditya Prakash, the additional chief secretary of the Panchayati Raj Department, outlined the progress of projects and upcoming schemes, especially in rural areas.​

Meanwhile, Shashank Shubhankhar, the District Magistrate of Gaya, presented development plans for the Mahabodhi Temple Corridor in Bodh Gaya and the Vishnupad Temple Corridor in Gaya.​

The Chief Minister emphasized that urban development schemes must be completed with priority, with special focus on sanitation and drinking water supply.​

He instructed that all infrastructure projects be built with high durability and quality standards.​

He also directed officials to fast-track housing delivery under PMAY (Urban) so that all eligible beneficiaries receive permanent homes.​

Stressing innovation, he encouraged adopting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for efficient solid waste management.​

Special attention was given to environmental infrastructure, with instructions to ensure full functionality of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) along the Ganga River, expand the sewage network across urban areas, develop monitoring systems for solar street lights, and install CCTV cameras in every Gram Panchayat.​

He also directed that crematoriums and funeral grounds be developed at traditional last-rites locations for public convenience.​

Highlighting urban mobility, the Chief Minister called for expediting the Patna Metro Rail Project.​

He noted that early integration of metro links connecting ISBT, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, and Patna Junction would significantly improve commuting ease for residents of Patna.​

–IANS

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