February 23, 2023
NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the 41st edition meeting of PRAGATI where nine key infrastructure projects across 13 States, involving a total cost of over Rs 41,500 crores, were reviewed.
PRAGATI is the ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and state governments.
Among the nine projects reviewed, three projects were from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, two from the Ministry of Railways and one project each was from Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
These nine projects with a cumulative cost of over Rs 41,500 crores are located in the 13 states of Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh. Mission Amrit Sarovar was also reviewed in the meeting.
The prime minister advised the Ministries and state governments to use the PM GatiShakti portal for planning of infrastructure projects. He insisted on expeditious resolution of land acquisition, utility shifting and other issues for timely completion of projects. He emphasised on ensuring proper coordination between Central government ministries and state governments.
During the interaction, the prime minister reviewed the ‘Mission Amrit Sarovar’ also. He undertook real time view of Amrit Sarovar sites through drones in Kishanganj, Bihar and Botad, Gujarat. He advised all Ministries and State Governments to complete Amrit Sarovar work in mission mode before the onset of monsoons. The prime minister emphasised on block level monitoring for timely completion of the target of 50,000 Amrit Sarovars under the scheme.
The unique idea of Mission Amrit Sarovar is working to rejuvenate water bodies all across the country, which will help conserve water for the future. Once the mission is completed, the expected increase in water holding capacity is going to be around 50 crore cu.m, the estimated carbon sequestration will be about 32,000 ton per year and expected increase in ground water recharge is over 22 Million cubic metre.
Moreover, the completed Amrit Sarovers are evolving as centres of community activity and participation, thus enhancing the spirit of Jan Bhagidari. Many social activities like Swachchata Rally, Jal Shapath on water conservation, school children’s activities like rangoli competition, celebration of religious festivals like Chatth Puja are being organised on the Amrit Sarovars sites.
Till now, 328 projects having a total cost Rs 15.82 lakh crore have been reviewed during PRAGATI meetings.