Deputy Chief Minister directs officials to speed up road repairs, complete housing projects and ensure time-bound implementation of public welfare schemes
TFP Bureau, Ambikapur, October 8, 2026: Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Thursday reviewed the progress of development works and implementation of government schemes in Surguja and Surajpur districts, directing officials to speed up projects, maintain quality and ensure that benefits reach citizens within stipulated timelines.
Sao held a joint meeting with officials of the Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering Department, Urban Administration and Development Department, and Sports and Youth Welfare Department at the Surguja divisional headquarters in Ambikapur.
He stressed the need for regular monitoring of sanctioned works and better coordination among departments to accelerate development activities. Officials were directed to complete projects within prescribed timelines without compromising on quality.
“Officials must understand their responsibilities and discharge their duties with seriousness and proactiveness,” Sao said, stressing transparency, quality and timely execution of public-interest projects. He also directed officials to improve office management and maintain cleanliness.
Road repairs to be expedited before festive season
Reviewing the Public Works Department, Sao took stock of roads, bridges, culverts, government buildings and other construction projects. He directed officials to accelerate road repair work following the monsoon and ensure that sanctioned projects are completed within the stipulated period.
With the festive season approaching, he asked officials to ensure that repair and construction works are completed on time so that commuters do not face inconvenience. He also stressed regular monitoring and adherence to quality standards.
Housing projects to be completed by October
During the review of urban development, Sao directed Chief Municipal Officers to complete ongoing construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) by October. He also called for monthly reviews of revenue collection by urban local bodies.
He reviewed the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Nagarotthan Yojana, infrastructure projects, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), PMAY (Urban), 15th Finance Commission works and rainwater harvesting initiatives.
Sao said urban management and cleanliness required special attention, noting that cities contribute to the image of the state and the identity of districts. He directed officials to begin work immediately after completion of tender formalities and expedite ongoing projects while maintaining quality.
Drinking water schemes reviewed
Reviewing the Public Health Engineering Department, the Deputy Chief Minister assessed drinking water arrangements and the progress of projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted functioning of drinking water systems, maintain adequate water sources and resolve complaints related to water supply promptly. Pending works were to be taken up on priority, while regular monitoring and maintenance of drinking water infrastructure were also emphasised.
Focus on sports in primary schools
Sao also reviewed sports activities, infrastructure and programmes aimed at encouraging youth participation. He directed officials to identify one Physical Training Instructor for each school cluster to conduct and promote sports activities.
He asked the Sports Department to prepare an action plan in coordination with District Panchayat chief executive officers and the Education Department to increase sports activities in primary schools, particularly in rural areas.
The Deputy Chief Minister also reviewed registration for the Surguja Olympics and directed officials to undertake wider publicity and involve sports associations and individuals associated with sports to encourage maximum participation.
He said sports help promote health, discipline, self-confidence, teamwork and creativity, and called for efforts to provide better facilities to young people and encourage local sporting talent.
Surguja Zila Panchayat CEO Roma Srivastava, Surajpur Zila Panchayat CEO Vijendra Singh Patle and Ambikapur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Vinay Kumar Agrawal were among those present at the meeting. Surguja Collector Ajit Vasant, Surguja Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Agrawal and Surajpur Collector Rena Jameel also attended.
