Chhattisgarh UADD MoUs with HUDCO and CEPT focus on municipal finance and capacity building

Chhattisgarh’s Urban Administration and Development Department (UADD) signed two memorandums of understanding on Wednesday. Officials said the agreements aim to improve financial resource management in cities. They also seek to build stronger technical and institutional capacity in urban local bodies. The MoUs were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, an official statement said.

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The signings took place during the first regional workshop on the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) and Urban Invest Window (UiWIN). The event was held at a resort in Nava Raipur. It was jointly organised by HUDCO and the state UADD. One MoU was signed with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO). The second agreement was with the CEPT University.

Urban Challenge Fund projects and funding focus

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, who holds the Urban Administration and Development portfolio, said the Centre has set aside Rs 1 lakh crore for the UCF. Sao said this creates a major opening for cities in Chhattisgarh. Sao added that urban local bodies must now draft viable, high-quality projects. Sao said the aim should be to secure the highest possible share from the fund.

During the workshop, Sai said cities will be key to a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh. Sai stressed planned, inclusive and sustainable urban growth. Sai said planning should consider future needs as well. Sai described cities as centres of economic activity. Sai said cities also drive industry, trade, jobs and innovation.

Urban Challenge Fund planning and long-term city needs

Sai said urban development gained momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Sai said the Urban Challenge Fund offers a chance to modernise cities. Sai said it can help make cities better equipped and economically stronger. Sai said urban local bodies should use the opportunity well. Sai said projects should improve lives while supporting local economies.

Sai said the state government has prepared a vision document for a developed Chhattisgarh. Sai linked it to Modi’s resolve for a developed India by 2047. Sai said the government is working in mission mode to implement its features. Sai urged urban bodies to plan for coming decades. Sai said plans should not focus only on present problems.

Urban Challenge Fund and city infrastructure concerns

Sai referred to waterlogging during the monsoon in many cities. Sai called for permanent fixes to resident problems. Sai said cities need effective drainage systems with long-term capacity. Sai raised concerns about disorderly electricity and utility cables. Sai said lifting power lines for processions or large vehicles is unsafe. Sai said such practices do not match modern planning.

Sai said cities should consider underground utility networks where feasible. Sai addressed mayors, municipal council leaders and nagar panchayat presidents at the workshop. Sai asked urban local bodies to study UCF provisions carefully. Sai also urged consultations with experts. Sai said projects should be technically sound, useful and financially viable.

Sai said the two MoUs are expected to support better project planning by urban local bodies. Sai said they will help mobilise financial resources and access technical expertise. Sai added that the agreements will strengthen training and institutional capacity. Sai said the MoUs should also help design projects based on actual city needs. Sai said this can improve implementation quality.

With inputs from PTI