Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the commencement of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) facilities in 41 villages and various development projects in 178 villages under the 'Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan' on March 11, 2024. It is an important step towards the advancement of rural regions in Delhi. The initiative, with an outlay of Rs 383 crore, marks a pivotal moment in the quest for rural development.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Union Minister for Housing & Urban Development and Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, and Lt Governor of Delhi, V K Saxena, alongside Amit Shah. Shah, in his address, highlighted the significance of the day, mentioning the commencement of piped gas supply to 41 villages and the initiation of various developmental projects spanning 178 villages. Amit Shah underscored the underutilization of funds allocated for the development of rural infrastructure in Delhi. Despite an allocation of Rs. 900 crore, significant portions of these funds remained unutilized until now.
Government's Focus on Rural Welfare:
Reflecting on the transformative measures undertaken by the government, Shah lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives aimed at uplifting rural livelihoods. He highlighted various welfare schemes, including the provision of LPG cylinders, piped gas connections, tap water, sanitation facilities, housing, and food grains distribution, benefiting millions across the nation.
Shah attributed the past decade to a period of significant welfare and rural development under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. He noted the government's efforts to bridge the rural-urban divide, citing achievements in diverse sectors ranging from agriculture to technology and energy.
A key aspect of the government's agenda has been the promotion of energy security, replacing energy poverty with accessible and sustainable energy solutions. Initiatives such as the PM-Surya Ghar scheme aim to empower citizens by providing free electricity through solar power plants, ensuring self-reliance at the grassroots level.
Under the 'Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan', development works worth Rs 383 crore have been inaugurated, encompassing vital infrastructural projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life in rural areas. These projects include the construction of roads, drainage systems, sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting facilities, parks, and community amenities.
Active Community Participation:
To ensure the success of the initiative, Lt Governor V K Saxena has constituted the Delhi Village Development & Welfare Committee, tasked with identifying and implementing projects tailored to local needs. This participatory approach fosters community engagement and ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Green Energy Initiative:
The inauguration also marked the commencement of PNG supply in 41 villages, facilitated by the Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL). With a commitment to providing eco-friendly energy solutions, the government aims to expand PNG coverage across rural areas, complementing its urban network.
