Govt to ensure development of Nirmand, 12 rural roads cleared for area: Minister

The state government is committed to the continuous development of the region, said Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh after inaugurating the district-level Buddhi Diwali Fair at Nirmand in the district today. He extended warm greetings of the festival to everyone present. He also inspected several ongoing development works at various locations.

The minister said that Buddhi Diwali was a traditional religious celebration linked to the legend of Lord Vishnu’s sixth incarnation, Lord Parshuram, who is believed to have destroyed demons on this day. He added that the scale of this fair would be enhanced in the coming years. He added that the place was well known for its traditional ‘Laman’ singing tradition.

Vikramaditya said that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase-III, a budget of Rs 306 crore had been sanctioned for the construction of 26 roads in the Anni Assembly constituency, including 12 roads in Nirmand alone. Across the state, road projects worth Rs 2,300 crore had been approved under the scheme and all works would be completed within a year. He added that projects worth Rs 18 crore were being executed under the NABARD scheme.

Vikramaditya said that instructions had been issued to include a sewerage connectivity scheme for Nirmand under AMRUT 2.0 next year and a sewage treatment plant (STP) would also be set up here in the near future. He added that a detailed project report (DPR) for the widening of the National Highway-305 between Sainj and Kandugad to a double lane at a cost of Rs 17.5 crore was being prepared. A DPR was also being prepared for the proposed 4.5-km Jalori Tunnel beyond Kandugad.

He said that the tender for the Nirmand College building had been finalised and directed officials to expedite its construction. The minister also announced a financial incentive of Rs 21,000 for children who presented cultural performances during the event.

Earlier, the Mela Committee Chairman and the SDM delivered the welcome address. Upender Kant Mishra also shared his views on the occasion.