Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das today met Union Minister of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation M.Venkaiah Naidu and discussed issues pertaining to urban development in the state under new urban missions launched by the Government of India. The Chief Minister proposed inclusion of Jamshedpur and Mango urban areas under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) stating that both of them are notified urban areas. He also informed Shri Naidu of the actions being taken for preparation of Smart City Plan for Ranchi. Das informed Shri Naidu that the State Government is keen to take up affordable housing programmes in all the 41 urban areas of the country and sought help in this regard. Shri Naidu explained that all statutory urban local bodies with elected municipal bodies are included in the Housing for All Mission and suggested to send project reports accordingly.
Naidu discussed implementation of project ‘Sewerage and Storm Water Drainage System for Ranchi’ sanctioned under JNNURM at a cost of Rs.304 cr in January,2014 with a central assistance of Rs.150 cr under which Rs.60 cr has already been released. The state government was advised to send progress report along with utilization reports for release of balance of central assistance. Shri Naidu also invited the attention of the Chief Minister to implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission in Jharkhand. Shri Naidu said that while the state government has so far done well in respect of solid waste management, construction of individual and public and community toilets needs to be expedited. Venkaiah Naidu told the Chief Minister that he would soon visit Ranchi for detailed discussion and review of implementation of urban development schemes in the State.