CM, L-G inaugurate 81 projects under govt’s rural development initiative

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday urged Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to expedite the long-pending Master Plan 2041, stressing that it must address current challenges while safeguarding the capital’s future needs for the next century.

Speaking after launching works under the Delhi Gramodaya Abhiyan at Pooth Khurd in Rohini, Gupta said, “The Master Plan should not just solve today’s issues but also serve generations for the next hundred years. The Delhi Government is ready to approve it without delay if it ensures people’s welfare.”

The CM, alongside L-G Saxena, inaugurated 81 development projects across 50 villages, spanning Dwarka, East Delhi, Narela, North Delhi and Rohini zones. These projects include the renovation of community halls, chaupals and public buildings, as well as the development of open gym parks, roads and other civic amenities funded by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

Lauding Saxena’s efforts, Gupta said previous governments had “ignored rural Delhi,” whereas the L-G personally visited villages to hear out the residents’ concerns and ensured projects were executed.

The L-G, in his address, said Delhi was striving to keep pace with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. “I am glad that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the Delhi Government is standing with us in this campaign. Her presence here today is a testimony to this,” he said. He also congratulated the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department for working “in mission mode” to implement the initiative.

Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh, accused earlier governments of neglecting rural Delhi for nearly three decades. “They did nothing but indulge in scams while depriving villages of their rights,” Singh alleged. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Antyodaya vision was finally bringing facilities to the remotest corners of Delhi.

He added that dedicated funds provided by the L-G in 2023 had fast-tracked projects such as sports complexes, gas pipelines and drainage systems, while new budgetary allocations by CM Gupta focussed on Lal Dora areas and link roads.

Criticising past administrations, Singh claimed that delays in Metro expansion, UER projects and non-implementation of schemes such as Ayushman Bharat had stalled development. He demanded a probe into “scams” related to sewer projects and other civic works, pledging to raise the matter in every Assembly constituency.

Gramodaya Abhiyan

Launched in December 2023, the Gramodaya Abhiyan aims to improve rural infrastructure by utilising nearly Rs 960 crore from Gram Sabha funds. So far, 854 works worth Rs 760 crore have been sanctioned, including 156 projects by the DDA.