Manohar Lal Khattar Reviews Urban Development in Northeast India

Union Minister for Power and Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, reviewed the status of various urban missions in the northeastern states during a meeting held in Guwahati. He emphasized the government’s commitment to the growth and development of the region, highlighting the need for sustainable habitat development to achieve India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

Ministers and secretaries from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura discussed challenges in implementing central schemes and requested increased financial support due to unique geographic and environmental concerns. Khattar acknowledged the region’s strategic importance and potential for tourism, and the need for adequate land, housing, and infrastructure due to increasing urbanization.

He congratulated Assam for its performance under the PMSvanidhi scheme and for being the first state to adopt the Model Tenancy Act, urging other states to follow suit. He also appreciated the timely completion of projects in the 10 smart cities under the Smart Cities Mission.

On July 8, during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Khattar reviewed ongoing schemes and proposals in the power and urban development sectors. The state government requested enhancements for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and funding for solid waste management in Itanagar. Khattar assured that these matters would be considered sympathetically, appreciating the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh and expressing his desire to visit again.