Principal Secretary calls for daily ward inspections, effective waste segregation, faster Nalanda campus construction and improved civic amenities at tourist and religious sites
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 20, 2026: Newly appointed Principal Secretary of the Urban Administration and Development Department, Sonmani Borah, held a marathon review meeting with senior departmental officials at Mantralaya on Thursday, a day after assuming charge, and issued a series of directives to improve the implementation of urban development and civic service schemes across Chhattisgarh.
The meeting reviewed the progress of major programmes, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), AMRUT Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Nalanda Campuses and various infrastructure development projects. Borah sought detailed updates on targets, field-level implementation and timelines, stressing that the timely delivery of benefits to citizens should remain the department’s primary objective.
Daily ward visits ordered
Borah directed Commissioners of Municipal Corporations and Chief Municipal Officers of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats to undertake daily ward visits along with Additional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Zonal Commissioners and other officials.
He also instructed officials to share photographs of field inspections on the department’s WhatsApp group to facilitate regular monitoring of development and sanitation activities.
Reviewing the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), the Principal Secretary assessed the progress of houses sanctioned and completed under various components. He directed officials to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits within the stipulated timeframe and that construction quality and progress are monitored continuously.
Site inspections for AMRUT projects
Borah also reviewed projects being implemented under the AMRUT Mission and directed officials not to rely solely on reports submitted at offices. He stressed the need for regular site inspections to assess the quality and progress of works and their actual benefits to citizens.
He instructed officials to adhere to prescribed construction standards and complete projects within decided deadlines.
Focus on waste segregation and cleanliness
During the review of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Borah emphasised effective waste segregation at source and systematic implementation of the four-bin waste collection system.
He directed urban local bodies to ensure proper segregation and collection of waste from households, markets and public places, coupled with regular monitoring. Continuous public awareness campaigns were also stressed to increase citizen participation in sanitation initiatives.
He called for regular cleaning of major markets, timely lifting of waste, organised collection systems and improved cleanliness of public spaces. He emphasised that sanitation should not remain limited to periodic campaigns but should become a sustainable, visible and routine system.
Nalanda campuses to be completed on priority
Reviewing the construction of 38 Nalanda complexes being developed under the state government’s ambitious Nalanda Complex initiative, Borah directed officials to accelerate construction and complete the facilities within the stipulated period.
He further instructed that essential facilities such as books, computer panels and librarians should be arranged alongside construction so that students can use the libraries immediately after the complexes become operational.
He also stressed greater coordination with local public representatives to ensure that officials remain aware of ground-level requirements and the progress of urban development projects.
Grievances to be resolved within timelines
The Principal Secretary directed officials to accord priority to grievances received through the CM Helpline and CPGRAMS portal and ensure their resolution within prescribed timelines.
He also shared experiences from his previous assignments, highlighting the importance of innovation, coordination and practical solutions to challenges encountered during implementation of government schemes.
Better amenities at tourist and religious sites
Borah instructed the Commissioner of Raipur Municipal Corporation to identify tourist destinations within the city and ensure the availability of basic amenities, including clean drinking water, accessible toilets, dustbins and proper sanitation.
He also called for action plans for urban forestry and the rejuvenation of public gardens, including exploration of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for financing such initiatives.
For newly incorporated areas following urban delimitation, he directed officials to prioritise clean drinking water, sanitation, urban greenery and urban agriculture.
The Principal Secretary also reviewed the repair of existing urban housing projects, slum redevelopment and possibilities for commercially viable projects on land earmarked for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) housing. He called for innovative approaches and “out-of-the-box” solutions in implementing these initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Director of Urban Administration and Development R. Ekka, SUDA CEO Sumit Agarwal, Raipur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sambit Mishra, Birgaon Municipal Corporation Commissioner Yugal Kishore Urvasha and senior officials of the department and SUDA.
