In a major step towards integrated urban governance, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to roll out the ‘Sugam Portal’, a centralized online platform to coordinate developmental works carried out by various departments in urban areas. The portal aims to prevent unnecessary damage to public assets and ensure smoother execution of inter-departmental projects.
Departments Must Now Register Work Plans on Sugam Portal
During a virtual meeting held on Wednesday, Urban Development Minister Mr. A. K. Sharma informed that departments such as Jal Nigam, BSNL, PWD, Energy, and Forest will now be required to submit work proposals via the Sugam Portal before initiating any developmental activity in urban regions.
This system is designed to create transparency, reduce overlapping of work, and safeguard existing public infrastructure. Additionally, departments will need to deposit user charges before work begins.
User Charges to Be Refunded Upon Proper Restoration
Minister Mr. Sharma clarified that after the completion of the assigned work, concerned departments must ensure that no damage has been done to the infrastructure of other departments. If any damage is caused and repaired properly, the deposited user charge will be refunded.
The Sugam Portal also introduces accountability, as it will monitor inter-agency compliance with standard procedures during infrastructure development like road construction, utility installation, or maintenance work.
Recurring Urban Issues to Be Addressed Effectively
Minister Mr. Sharma highlighted recurring issues that arise due to lack of coordination—such as underground electric lines being cut during road construction by PWD, or the telecommunication lines getting damaged while laying power cables. The Jal Nigam often digs up newly constructed roads and leaves them unrepaired, causing inconvenience to the public and loss to public property.
The new portal will act as a single-window system to synchronize these activities and ensure that restoration is mandated and monitored.
Top Officials Participate in the Coordination Meeting
The virtual meeting saw participation from several key bureaucrats, including Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), Mr. Ramakant Pandey, Managing Director of the Water Corporation, and Ms. Ritu Suhas, Additional Director of Urban Bodies, among other senior officials.
Their involvement marks the beginning of a cross-departmental initiative that emphasizes digital governance, coordination, and citizen-centric planning.
Sugam Portal: A Leap Towards Smart and Responsible Urban Governance
Once implemented, the Sugam Portal is expected to become a model of administrative synergy and urban project management, reducing both financial and infrastructural losses caused by poor planning or miscommunication between agencies.
This initiative reflects the state government’s ongoing push towards e-governance and sustainable urban development while minimizing public inconvenience and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer money.
