Amritsar, September 15: Newly inducted Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri today sought the state government’s cooperation for implementing the Centre’s urban development schemes.
On his first visit to the city after assuming office, Puri said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen on involving local stakeholders. I appeal to Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to focus on the speedy execution of these schemes.”
He observed that Amritsar and other cities were lagging in basic infrastructure such as safe drinking water, sanitation and an efficient sewerage. “Our cities were never designed as per constructive and comprehensive town planning. Chandigarh might be an exception,” he added.
Puri said an investment of Rs 3,754 crore had been approved so far for Amritsar — Rs 3,430 crore (Smart City Mission), Rs 247 crore (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), Rs 77 crore (affordable housing) and Rs 60 crore (HRIDAY scheme). “This comes out to be Rs 30,300 per head, which is substantial. The schemes for which we have set a target of 2019, will start showing results by June 2018,” he claimed.
The former IFS officer said about Rs 11,000 crore had been approved for Punjab during the past three years for urban missions. An investment of Rs 9,471 crore has been approved to improve basic urban infrastructure over five years.
Earlier, Puri paid obeisance at the Golden Temple and Durgiana Mandir. “The sanctum sanctorum of the Sikh faith provides inspiration not only for the Sikhs, but for the whole humanity where no distinction is made on the basis of caste, creed or religion,” he said.
News Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
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