Bundelkhand: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 221 development projects worth ₹1,766 crore in Lalitpur district on June 20. The event was held at the Tuvan Temple complex, where the Chief Minister addressed a large public gathering and outlined the government’s development vision for the Bundelkhand region.
The projects span infrastructure, irrigation, drinking water supply, and regional development initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth in one of Uttar Pradesh’s historically underserved regions.
Bundelkhand Becoming a Development Model, Says CM
Speaking at the event, CM Yogi Adityanath said Bundelkhand is undergoing a major transformation under the current government’s initiatives.
He highlighted the “Har Ghar Nal” (tap water to every household) scheme, stating that the vision of providing clean drinking water to every home in Bundelkhand is now becoming a reality.
“Not with a pot, but with the Har Ghar Nal scheme, the vision is becoming a reality in Bundelkhand,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that Bundelkhand is now emerging as a model region, supported by large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Bundelkhand Expressway and plans for a major industrial city.
From Water Scarcity to Development: Addressing Past Challenges
The Chief Minister recalled the region’s historical struggles with water scarcity and migration.
He said earlier generations in Bundelkhand, particularly women, had to spend their lives fetching water in earthen pots, often facing hardship and distress.
He also pointed to large-scale migration of youth due to lack of opportunities in the past.
Blaming Governance Failures and “Mafia Culture”
CM Yogi attributed Bundelkhand’s historical underdevelopment not to lack of natural resources, but to what he described as past governance failures and mafia influence.
He alleged that earlier administrations allowed corruption and illegal control over development projects, which deprived local youth of employment opportunities and stalled progress in the region.
Defence Manufacturing Corridor and BrahMos Missile Production
Highlighting industrial and strategic development, the Chief Minister said Bundelkhand is being developed as a defence manufacturing hub under Uttar Pradesh’s defence corridor initiative.
He referred to the production of the BrahMos missile in the state and linked it to India’s growing defence capabilities.
He stated that such advancements reflect the region’s shift towards becoming a key industrial and strategic center.
Women’s Empowerment Through Self-Help Groups
CM Yogi emphasized the role of women in Bundelkhand’s development through self-help groups.
He cited the Balinee Milk Producer initiative as an example of how women are increasing their income and achieving financial independence.
According to him, Bundelkhand, including Jhansi and Lalitpur, is emerging as a model for women-led rural economic growth.
Completion of Long-Pending Irrigation Projects
The Chief Minister also highlighted the completion of several long-delayed irrigation projects that are transforming agriculture in the region.
He mentioned key projects including:
- Arjun Sahayak Project
- Ratoli Dam
- Bhavani Dam
- Khasnoda Dam
- Majhgaon Project
- Chilli Sprinkler Irrigation Project
He said these projects have significantly improved water availability for farmers and strengthened agricultural productivity in Bundelkhand.
Focus on Rural Transformation and Connectivity
The government emphasized continued investment in rural infrastructure, water management systems, and expressway connectivity. Projects like the Bundelkhand Expressway are expected to boost trade, mobility, and industrial growth across the region.
Bundelkhand’s Shift Towards a New Growth Era
The inauguration of ₹1,766 crore worth of projects marks another step in Uttar Pradesh’s push to transform Bundelkhand into a developed and self-sustaining region. With improved water supply, irrigation systems, industrial expansion, and women-led economic initiatives, the government aims to reposition Bundelkhand as a key growth engine of the state.
