Meerut to become a hub for edu, sports, culture, biz: CM
The plan is being implemented to develop Meerut as a smart, clean, and sustainable city. In 2021, Meerut's population was approximately 23 lakh, which is estimated to increase to 33.5 lakh by 2041. The Chief Minister was informed that out of the 93 projects, work began on six. The approximate cost of implementing the entire plan is Rs 15,000 crore.
To alleviate congestion and traffic in the city, the Chief Minister spoke about the need for local district administration, development authority, and municipal corporation to work together.
He said that Meerut city should only have digital hoardings while the entire city should be brought under CCTV coverage. He added that camera footage should be accessible to the police whenever needed.
To develop Meerut as an environmentally robust city, electric vehicles should be promoted, and private sector participation in city bus services should be encouraged. To realise the vision of a clean city, door-to-door waste collection should be carried out while river rejuvenation should be started.
The Chief Minister suggested that drainage should be connected with natural water systems for more effective sewage treatment.
The Chief Minister was informed that the development plan is based on six major themes, which include beautification of public spaces and walk-friendly arrangements, seamless movement, environmental and social amenities, industrial and residential infrastructure development, conservation of historical heritage, and redevelopment.
The projects have been divided into short-term, mid-term, and long-term phases, with 41 projects to be completed within a year.
The Chief Minister was updated on plans for the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Rapid Rail, Ganga Expressway, Dedicated Freight Corridor, Western Ring Road, Internal Ring Road, smart roads, redevelopment of major intersections, and development of cultural sites. Other projects relate to the beautification of Sanjay Van, Surajkund, theme parks, ponds, and historical sites.
The Chief Minister said that local parks should be better maintained, and places like Sanjay Van and Victoria Park should be made vibrant. He emphasised the importance of constructing the Meerut Mandapam for events, stating that it would give the city a new identity for cultural activities.
In the area of road connectivity, the CM highlighted the utility of the 52-km long Western Ring Road and the Inner Ring Road from Vedvyaspuri to Lohianagar for smooth connectivity. There was also a detailed discussion on plans for widening roads like the proposed internal ring road on the Abu Nala First track, regional connectivity routes, Meerut–Parikshitgarh road, Daurala–Masuri, Rohta, and Garh road.
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