Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday distributed cheques totaling Rs 2,800 crore to the state’s municipal corporations and municipalities for comprehensive developmental projects, marking a significant step in accelerating urban growth under the Urban Development Year 2025. The event was held in Ahmedabad in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Urban Development Minister Kanubhai Desai, and Minister of State Darshna Vaghela.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Gujarat has emerged as one of the leading states in the country under the Smart Cities initiative and the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain (CITIIS) programme, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that the state’s towns and cities are setting benchmarks in green growth, green mobility, climate action, and waste management, ensuring sustainable and people-centric urbanisation.
Significant Allocation for Municipal Development
Under the cheque distribution:
- Rs 2,132 crore was allocated to 8 major municipal corporations for ongoing and upcoming urban projects.
- Rs 360 crore was provided to 9 newly formed municipal corporations, with Rs 40 crore allocated to each.
- Rs 308 crore was earmarked for 152 municipalities, aimed at infrastructure and holistic developmental works.
CM Patel emphasized that the availability of adequate financial resources ensures municipalities can plan and execute projects without constraints. He urged municipal authorities to strengthen their capacity to utilize funds effectively for inclusive and quality development.
Focus on Sustainability and Cleanliness
The Chief Minister stressed that quality, cleanliness, and sustainability must be the cornerstones of all urban development projects. Highlighting Gujarat’s successful track record in the Swachh Survekshan, he urged cities to adopt ward-wise waste segregation, strengthen solid waste management, and expand the use of green solar energy to reduce electricity costs.
He further emphasized the role of municipalities in promoting cleanliness as a daily habit, making it an integral part of city life while accelerating the circular economy through the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover.
Urban Development Year: Building on Two Decades of Progress
CM Patel recalled the legacy of Urban Development Year 2005, launched by Prime Minister Modi during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, which laid the foundation for modern urban planning in the state. He highlighted that after two decades of growth, Gujarat’s cities have undergone a major transformation, and 2025 has been designated as a renewed Urban Development Year to create all-inclusive, comprehensive urban centers that integrate heritage, innovation, and sustainability.
The event underscores the state government’s commitment to holistic urban development, ensuring that cities in Gujarat continue to lead nationally in infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and citizen-focused services.
