Bhopal: ₹750 Crore urban development scheme to boost green cover

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): To ensure environmental conservation and green development, the state government has introduced the Chief Minister Urban Development Scheme (Mukhyamantri Nagariya Vikas Yojana).

It has set aside Rs 750 crore for the five-year scheme. A striking feature of the scheme is that the government will provide financial assistance of up to Rs 2.50 crore for the development of every city forest. It will give Rs 10 lakh per acre (minimum area) in the form of a grant to urban bodies for the creation of a city forest. The urban bodies have been asked to send their proposal according to the provisions of the scheme.

Infra development scheme

The government’s ‘Mukyamantri Jan Sahbhagita Nirman Yojana’ for infrastructure development aims to provide facilities to citizens. The government has set aside Rs 750 cr for it. Under the scheme, a grant of Rs 5 cr will be given every year to municipal corporations, Rs 1 cr to municipalities, and Rs 25 cr to municipal councils. The ratio of public participation and economic assistance of the state government will be 50:50. Under this scheme, priority will be given to cement concrete construction, proper sewerage arrangement, and waste treatment in the colonies of urban areas. This scheme will be conducted till 2028-29.

80% govt vehicles to be turned into EVs

The Urban Development and Housing Department has decided to convert 80% of government vehicles into electric vehicles. Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Ujjain will be developed as EV Model Cities. The work of establishing fast-charging facilities for electric vehicles has been started. They will be established at 20 km in the state and at every 100 km on highways. This is being done as per the provisions of the E-vehicle policy. Apart from this, under the e-bus sewa scheme, the work of operating 552 buses in six cities – Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sagar, and Ujjain– is being done speedily. The central government’s Urban Affairs ministry has given the nod for the proposal related to depot and infrastructure in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain, and Sagar.