Narendra Modi inaugurates Rs 5.5K crore water projects in Mirzapur, Sonbhadra

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday laid the foundation stones of rural drinking water supply projects costing more than Rs 5,500 crore in Vindhyachal region of Uttar Pradesh.

The region was a victim of neglect for decades after Independence. This entire area became one of scarcity even though it had resources. Despite having so many rivers, this region has been identified as the most thirsty, drought-affected region, the PM said while laying the foundation stones of the projects in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts through videoconference.

The projects will provide tap water connections in all rural households in 2,995 villages, benefiting about 42 lakh individuals living in these districts.

When a big problem of life begins to be solved, a different kind of faith starts to appear. I can see that faith, enthusiasm in you. How much sensitivity you have to water is also visible.

He stressed that it has been more than a year now that the campaign to supply water to every household has begun. During this time, he added, more than 2.60 crore families have been ensured tap water supply at their homes.

The Prime Minister said that the projects will ensure atmanirbhar villages.

Reaching out to the area residents Modi said: Like other villages in the country, there was a huge power problem in this area too. Today, this area is becoming a world leader in solar energy.

He added that Mirzapurs solar power plant is writing a new chapter of development there.

Modi also praised UP employees for successfully implementing government schemes in the state. Today, the way the schemes are being implemented one after another in Uttar Pradesh, the image of Uttar Pradesh, its government and its employees is changing completely, he claimed.

The projects estimated to cost Rs 5,555.38 crore are planned to be completed in 24 months.

Yogi to promote eco-tourism in Sonbhadra, Mirzapur

The Uttar Pradesh tourism department has decided to develop Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Chandauli and adjoining areas as eco-tourism destinations.

A tourist bungalow will be constructed in an area of five acres in Sonbhadra and activities like water sports, rock climbing, trekking, etc., have also been started there to promote eco-tourism and provide adventure sports options to the tourists.

Kirtimaan Srivastava, tourism officer of the Mirzapur division, said, We hope to initiate the construction of the tourist bungalow in the next six months and the district magistrate of Sonbhadra already held a discussion on the detailed action plan with the members of the Tourism Welfare Association. Bio toilets will also be constructed at various tourist spots.

Besides this, Rs 281.37 lakh have also been sanctioned for the Way Finding Traffic Solution (WFTS).

Under this, signboards having details of the tourist spot are being set at up at various tourist spots and destinations and till date, works of Rs 25 lakh has also been completed. Tour operators have also been engaged to promote film tourism, he added.

Beautification work is being carried out at the tourist spots like Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Salkhan Fossil Park, Vijaygarh Fort, Agori Fort and Mukha Waterfall so that they can register a prominent presence on the tourist map of the country, Srivastava said.

In September, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had announced to convert the airstrip in Sonbhadra into an airport.

Besides opening new vistas of development and generating employments in the region, the airport will also give a boost to the tourism activities.

Source: IANS