Amit Shah Inaugurates PNG Facility, Launches Development Works in Delhi Villages

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a PNG facility in 41 villages and development works in 178 others in Delhi under the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan. The initiative aims to improve infrastructure and living standards in rural areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a piped natural gas (PNG) facility in 41 villages and development works in 178 others in Delhi under the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan on Monday. Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena were also present during the event.

Development Works Worth Rs 383 Crore Launched

Shah announced that piped gas has now reached 41 villages in Delhi, along with the launch of development works worth Rs 383 crore for 178 villages. He highlighted that a total of Rs 900 crore had been allocated for the development of infrastructure and improving the standards of living in Delhi's villages, but the funds were not being utilized effectively.

Prime Minister's Initiatives for Rural Development

Shah also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives for rural development, including providing LPG cylinders to 13 crore mothers, piped natural gas to one crore homes, tap water to 14 crore homes, building 14 crore toilets, more than three crore houses, and providing five kilograms of free foodgrains per person per month to 60 crore people.

Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan: Uplifting Delhi's Villages

Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena spoke about the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan, which was initiated in December by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to uplift Delhi's villages. He emphasized the need for providing all the facilities available in other areas of the city to the villages of Delhi.

Addressing Infrastructure Deficiencies in Rural Areas

Saxena shared his experiences during his visits to Delhi's rural areas, where he observed the lack of basic facilities such as water supply, good roads, street lights, ponds, sewer lines, playgrounds, and parks. He decided to develop five villages as a pilot project to address these deficiencies.

Fund Allocation and Project Implementation

According to an official statement, the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan has a fund of Rs 960 crore to develop and create necessary infrastructure in Delhi's urbanized villages and new urban areas. This fund was previously lying unused with the city government's Revenue department for many years. Recently, the fund was transferred to the DDA at the instance of Saxena. In just three months, projects worth Rs 383 crore have been sanctioned in various villages of Delhi during the current financial year.

Objectives of the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan

The Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan aims to enhance the quality of life of villagers by identifying and addressing gaps in infrastructure and civic amenities. It focuses on strategic planning tailored to local needs, fostering active community participation in decision-making processes, and ensuring equitable access to community assets and opportunities.

Implementation Strategy

To achieve these objectives, the Lt Governor has constituted the Delhi Village Development and Welfare Committee under district magistrates of the concerned districts. This committee is responsible for identifying the works and schemes to be implemented under the program, in consultation with local representatives, villagers, and local agencies.

Projects Undertaken

Under the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan, various projects are being carried out, including construction and improvement of roads, drains, footpaths, and central verges, horticulture work, provisioning of sewage treatment plants and decentralized sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping stations, rainwater harvesting, development and maintenance of ponds and water bodies, development of parks, playgrounds and sports facilities, village libraries, community halls, and cattle care.

PNG Supply in Rural Areas

PNG supply has also been started in 41 villages by spreading a 100-kilometer pipeline network at a cost of Rs 20 crore by the Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL). The Centre is committed to providing green energy in the national capital as PNG is safe, affordable, and eco-friendly.

IGL's Reach in Delhi

In Delhi, IGL has reached 1.5 million households, for which an 11,000-kilometer pipeline network has been laid. It has covered all the urban areas and is now expanding its network in rural areas as well.