CM presents roadmap for urban development at workshop for municipal commissioners and chief officers
Pune, May 15: Urban development is being prioritized by both the Central and State governments as a key growth engine. Massive investments have been made in urban infrastructure over the past decade. If robust schemes are implemented to resolve urban issues and provide better civic amenities, the State Government will fully support local self-governments, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
He was speaking at a workshop organized by the Urban Development Department at YASHADA, attended by municipal commissioners and chief officers of municipal councils from across Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal, Additional Chief Secretary Asim Kumar Gupta, and Principal Secretary Dr. K.H. Govindraj were also present.
"Maharashtra ranks second in India in terms of urban population," said CM Fadnavis. “The development process revolves around urbanization. People are drawn to cities for education, healthcare, employment, and entertainment. However, the lack of long-term planning to match this growth has resulted in serious urban challenges. Six crore people reside in 450 cities across the state. If we transform our cities, we can improve the lives of nearly 50% of the population.”
Focus on Education and Healthcare
The CM stressed the need to improve primary healthcare facilities in urban areas and implement Central and State schemes effectively. He emphasized providing quality education to underprivileged children in municipal schools. He urged timely completion of water supply and sewage projects and recommended installing metered water supply systems with efficient distribution networks. The State Government, he assured, will support such public welfare schemes.
Boosting Urban Economic Growth
“In recent years, cities have received large funds for development,” the CM said. “But cities must adopt new ideas and innovate in delivering goods and services. Urban Local Bodies must also find new sources of revenue while strengthening tax collections. If economic growth becomes visible, citizens will be more willing to pay taxes. Sustainable development plans and structured city layouts will help attract private sector investment.”
He also emphasized that well-planned roads enhance the beauty of cities and stressed the importance of digital systems and technology to monitor work quality. Technological interventions in public services will ease the implementation of Maharashtra’s “Viksit Maharashtra 2047” vision, he added.
State Support for Planned and Beautiful Cities: Dy CM Eknath Shinde
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the workshop would be helpful in understanding urban local bodies' challenges. “Municipal corporations and councils are vital to Maharashtra’s development. Equal growth across cities will reduce development imbalances,” he said. With over 5 crore citizens living in urban areas, their issues must be prioritized. The government will extend full support to municipal bodies, he assured.
He urged municipal bodies to work with clear goals and incorporate Artificial Intelligence in operations. “We must prevent the emergence of new slums and focus on community development. Site visits and project monitoring are crucial to ensure quality work,” he said. Providing citizens with proper housing will make cities more beautiful and organized. Cities should also focus on waste-to-energy projects, sewage treatment, and efficient public transport, he added.
He also highlighted past government initiatives like Shasan Aplya Dari (Government at Your Doorstep) and the 100-day action plan focusing on investments, cleanliness, administrative reforms, and regional office visits. Now, a 150-day program will be launched with a renewed focus on e-governance and human resource development, he announced.
“Workshops like this should become platforms for collective brainstorming as Maharashtra moves forward across all sectors. Let’s ensure our cities evolve to match the state’s overall growth,” Shinde concluded.
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