First meeting of Chhattisgarh State Capital Region Development Authority (SCR) held under chairmanship of Chief Minister
Raipur, March 11
The first meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Capital Region Development Authority (State Capital Region – SCR) was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at his office in the Vidhansabha Assembly complex. The meeting discussed in detail the objectives, functioning and activities of the authority, as well as the action plan for the comprehensive and planned development of the capital region.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Sai said the authority has been envisaged to provide organised housing, education, healthcare, trade and commerce facilities, and better employment opportunities in view of the rapidly increasing population of the capital region. He said the first meeting of the authority was highly meaningful and the positive outcomes of the detailed discussions on various issues will become visible in the coming time.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Raipur and the surrounding cities are rapidly developing into a large urban cluster, and therefore there is a need for balanced and planned development on the lines of major metropolitan cities. He said public expectations have increased following the announcement of the State Capital Region and fulfilling these expectations is a priority for the government. He directed officials to ensure that all works are completed as per the approved plan and timeline, and that progress is reviewed regularly at a high level.
It was informed in the meeting that Raipur and its surrounding areas will be developed as the State Capital Region (SCR), which will include Raipur, Durg–Bhilai, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar and nearby areas. The region will be developed on the lines of major metropolitan cities and is expected to emerge as a key growth engine for Chhattisgarh in the future.
The meeting also discussed the development of regional mobility and logistics in the capital region, conducting a techno-economic feasibility study for metro operations, carrying out survey works and appointing expert consultants for the same. Proposals regarding delegation of administrative and financial powers to the authority, appointment of chartered accountants for audit services and engagement of expert consultants for the planning division were also deliberated upon.
The meeting also considered the action plan for preparing the Capital Region Development and Investment Plan. This will include proper identification of investment zones, necessary surveys, research and studies, and preparation of a phased implementation strategy for projects. It was also agreed to issue necessary directions to simplify the process of land development and allotment in the capital region. Information was also shared regarding a provision of Rs 27 crore for the initial activities of the authority.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Finance Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Public Works Department Dr Kamalpreet Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Chhattisgarh State Capital Region Development Authority Shri Ankit Anand, Secretary of the Urban Administration Department Dr Basavaraju S, CEO of NRDA Shri Chandan Kumar, and senior officials from various departments were present at the meeting.
Notably, Chhattisgarh, located geographically in the central part of the country, is rapidly emerging as an important hub for trade, commerce and industry. The development of the State Capital Region is expected to facilitate planned urban expansion, improved transport connectivity, modern infrastructure and new investment opportunities in the capital and surrounding cities.