In its first meeting with the newly formed Delhi Rural Development Board, a total of 431 projects worth ₹1,000 crore were approved on Thursday for villages in the capital city.

“Villages are not only symbols of tradition and culture, but also the lifeline of Delhi. Strengthening basic infrastructure in rural areas and speeding up development work is a goal of our government,” stated Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also chaired the meeting. The CM further added that there will be no shortage of funds for the development of villages and that in the very first meeting, projects worth ₹1,000 crore have been cleared for the first time in Delhi.

Using the Funds on Development

These funds will be used for building infrastructure and services like roads, drains, ponds, community centres, parks, cremation grounds, and sports facilities in rural areas under 30 Assembly constituencies and four Lok Sabha constituencies within Delhi.

CM Gupta instructed officials to complete all rural development projects within the stipulated timeframe, pointing out that her government aims to bring facilities in villages on par with those in urban areas.

“Our government is committed to giving rural residents the same basic facilities as those living in urban areas. The projects will be carried out with the help of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Municipal Corporation, and other agencies,” said Gupta.

National media reports that the funds allocated to rural development will be used to build roads, develop ponds and reservoirs, as well as set up community centres, parks, cremation grounds, sports fields, gyms, and libraries. Furthermore, these funds will be utilised in improving the drainage system of the area, enhancing chaupal banquet halls, and other facilities. All of these will either be built or renovated, along with making available essential services like drinking water, streetlights, and others.