BILASPUR, CHHATTISGARH: Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Bilaspur district in-charge minister Arun Sao chaired a review meeting at the Manthan Conference Hall of the District Office to assess government schemes and ongoing development projects.
During the meeting, Sao directed officials to prepare long-term and forward-looking plans by considering both current requirements and the future needs of the district. He emphasized faster execution of projects while maintaining quality standards and deadlines, making it clear that delays in construction work would not be tolerated.
Four Officials Issued Show-Cause Notices
Sao expressed displeasure over the installation of electricity poles along the Batori-Mohatra road in Bilha and directed the District Panchayat CEO to investigate the matter and submit a report.
He said strict action would be taken if any electricity department official or employee was found responsible.
The Deputy CM also took serious note of the absence of four officials from the review meeting. He directed that show-cause notices be issued to the CEOs of the Bilha, Kota and Takhatpur Janpad Panchayats and the Chief Municipal Officer of Ratanpur Municipality.
Permanent Solution Sought for Waterlogging
The Deputy CM reviewed the waterlogging problem in Bilaspur city, which became evident during the first spell of monsoon rain.
He directed officials to prepare a concrete plan for a permanent solution to waterlogging and instructed departments to remain prepared so that road repairs and improvement works could begin immediately after the monsoon.
Sao also said a separate meeting would be held with construction-related departments to conduct a detailed review of their projects, stressing that quality must not be compromised.
Monitoring of Seasonal Diseases at Village Level
Preparations to control malaria and other seasonal diseases were also reviewed.
Sao directed officials to maintain continuous monitoring at the village level and ensure that Mitanins have adequate stocks of essential medicines.
CMHO Dr. Shubha Garewal said 48 malaria cases had been detected so far in Kota development block. Six patients are currently undergoing treatment, while the remaining patients have recovered.
With support from the Rotary Club, around 1,500 mosquito nets are also being distributed in affected areas.
Adequate Stocks of Fertilizers and Seeds
During the agriculture department review, officials reported that good rainfall had improved crop conditions and that water levels in the district’s reservoirs were satisfactory.
Officials said there was currently no shortage of seeds or fertilizers, with approximately 300 quintals of seeds and 10,000 metric tonnes of DAP, urea and other fertilizers available through cooperative societies.
Sao directed officials to organize village-level camps for farmer registration.
“Not a single farmer should be deprived of selling paddy because of a lack of registration.” — Arun Sao, Deputy Chief Minister
Development Works to Reflect Local Needs
While reviewing District Panchayat schemes, Sao emphasized effective implementation of the VB-G RAM G scheme and instructed officials to select projects based on actual village requirements.
He suggested prioritizing works such as cremation grounds, toilets, school repairs, water conservation projects and small check dams.
He also called for greater community participation in water conservation and awareness campaigns at the village level.
310 Jal Jeevan Mission Projects Completed
Officials informed the meeting that 310 of the district’s 804 single-village Jal Jeevan Mission schemes have been completed. Of these, 219 schemes have already been handed over to Gram Panchayats.
Sao emphasized proper operation and maintenance of the completed schemes and encouraged community participation through a Jal Arpan campaign.
Master Plans for Malhar and Ratanpur
Sao directed officials to prepare master plans for the integrated development of the historic towns of Malhar and Ratanpur.
He said their heritage, tourism potential and future infrastructure requirements should be taken into account while preparing comprehensive development plans.
Faster Work on Housing and Cleanliness
During the urban development review, the Deputy CM directed officials to accelerate work under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, infrastructure development and sanitation initiatives.
He also ordered necessary repairs to houses constructed under the ISDP scheme in Bilaspur and instructed officials to allot the houses to eligible economically weaker families at the earliest.
Proposals Approved by Jeevandip and Ayush Committees
Following the review meeting, Sao also chaired meetings of the Jeevandip Committee of the District Hospital and the Ayush Committee of the Government Ayurvedic College.
Several proposals related to essential facilities and development works at the hospital and college were discussed and approved.
Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal assured the Deputy Chief Minister that all directions issued during the review meeting would be implemented in full.
