In a significant move to bolster urban infrastructure, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to two major drinking water supply projects for the cities of Bareilly and Kanpur. The projects, sanctioned under the central government's AMRUT 2.0 scheme, represent a combined investment of Rs 582.74 crore and aim to provide piped clean water to a vast population.
Major Boost for Water Supply in Two Key Cities
State Finance Minister Suresh Khanna detailed the approvals, stating the projects focus on improving and expanding the drinking water network within the municipal corporation areas of both cities. The cabinet's decision is expected to address long-standing water supply issues and ensure equitable access to a essential resource.
For Bareilly, the cabinet cleared Rs 265.95 crore for a Phase-1 reorganisation project under the Bareilly Municipal Corporation. The funding breakdown includes a share of Rs 85.31 crore from the Government of India, Rs 145.05 crore from the state government, and Rs 25.60 crore from the municipal corporation itself. Upon completion, this initiative is projected to benefit approximately 92% of Bareilly's population, which translates to around 9 lakh people.
The project for Kanpur, a pipeline expansion endeavor costing Rs 316.79 crore, was also approved. This project is designed to supply clean drinking water to the entire population in the East and South service districts of the Kanpur Municipal Corporation area. The financial allocation comprises Rs 76.10 crore from the central government, Rs 182.65 crore from the state, and Rs 45.66 crore from the municipal body. The expansion will directly serve 33 wards of Kanpur city, covering the entire East-South zone.
Cabinet Greenlights New Disability Rehabilitation Centres
In another crucial decision aimed at social welfare, the cabinet approved the establishment of new District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs) in all 18 divisions of Uttar Pradesh. While such centres currently operate in 38 districts, many face operational challenges. The government now plans to reboot the entire system with adequate resources to ensure seamless service delivery.
"Now the govt is going to operate the entire system afresh, equipped with resources, so that there is no hindrance in services provided to persons with disabilities," Finance Minister Khanna explained.
Comprehensive Services Under One Roof
The revamped DDRCs will offer persons with disabilities easy access to a suite of essential services at a single location. These facilities will include:
- Survey and identification
- Organisation of medical camps
- Provision of assistive devices and prosthetic limb fitment
- Training and rehabilitation programs
- Clinical services like physiotherapy and speech therapy
Khanna emphasized that this integrated approach would eliminate the need for multiple visits to different offices. "People will no longer have to make multiple rounds for getting essential documents like UDID cards and disability certificates made," he said. The government believes this streamlined process will ensure timely access to scheme benefits and significantly strengthen the rehabilitation ecosystem for persons with disabilities across the state.
The cabinet's twin decisions underscore the state government's focus on enhancing critical urban amenities like water supply while simultaneously strengthening its social infrastructure to support vulnerable sections of society.
