Former Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar Announces Ambitious Development Roadmap for Chandrapur
In a significant announcement on Thursday, former minister and Ballarpur MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar outlined an ambitious and comprehensive development roadmap for Chandrapur under the newly-formed BJP-led municipal corporation. Addressing a press conference alongside newly appointed mayor Sangeeta Khandekar and deputy mayor Prashant Danao, the senior BJP leader emphasized a commitment to collective leadership and assured all elected representatives, including Congress corporators, that funds would be allocated without any political discrimination.
Focus on Transparency and Inclusive Governance
Mungantiwar pledged a governance model centered on transparency, inclusivity, and long-term urban planning. He acknowledged the municipal corporation's current weak financial health, noting that expenditure currently exceeds income, and stated that the new administration would prioritize expanding revenue streams through innovative and sustainable measures. The administration plans to soon review long-pending civic issues and convene a citizens' conclave at Priyadarshini Auditorium to draft a comprehensive city development plan involving public input.
Infrastructure and Housing Initiatives
Highlighting key infrastructure priorities, Mungantiwar revealed that discussions with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari have advanced plans for a ring road to alleviate traffic congestion in the city. Other infrastructure projects include:
- Widening of Development Plan roads to improve connectivity
- Strengthening water supply pipelines to ensure reliable access
- Addressing persistent urban infrastructure challenges in coordination with corporators across all political parties
Regarding housing, Mungantiwar announced that out of MHADA's 10,000 housing projects planned for New Chandrapur, the Central government has approved 2,000 houses, marking a significant step toward addressing housing needs.
Urban Renewal and Public Amenities
The development roadmap includes several urban renewal initiatives aimed at enhancing the city's livability and public spaces:
- Creation of a new bazaar area to boost local commerce
- Development of modern parking facilities to reduce congestion
- Improvement of open spaces for recreational use
- Proposal to develop a 75-acre playground near Government Medical College
- Redevelopment of Jubilee High School ground to enhance community amenities
Mungantiwar also pledged specific improvements in slum areas, expansion of public toilet facilities, and the launch of a technology-driven grievance redressal system to ensure faster and more efficient civic responses to resident concerns.
Environmental and Planning Measures
Addressing environmental and urban planning concerns, Mungantiwar disclosed that the resurvey of the Irai and Zarpata rivers' blue floodlines has been officially ordered. Once the revised boundaries are finalized, this exercise is expected to unlock planned and sustainable development opportunities across Chandrapur, ensuring that growth occurs in an environmentally responsible manner that respects natural waterways.
The comprehensive plan represents a multi-faceted approach to urban development that balances immediate infrastructure needs with long-term sustainability goals, all while maintaining a commitment to inclusive governance that transcends political affiliations.
