A record number of 62 projects for Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway of about Rs.7000 crore were unveiled and announced by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav, even as he appeared hopeful that the new schemes would be completed in two years - before the next Assembly polls in 2017.
The much-delayed Lucknow Haat in the State Capital built on 25 acres was also inaugurated by the Chief Minister.
That the completion of the projects were so crucial for the Samajwadi Party’s political fortunes in the 2017 elections was amply underscored by Mr. Yadav at the function held at his 5, Kalidas Marg residence on Saturday. “The 2017 elections will not be slogan-driven, but how much work has been done for the people will influence the verdict, the Samajwadi Party is committed towards improving the quality of life of the people, there is no difference between its words and actions”, the Chief Minister said.
In fact, the Chief Minister, while referring to the presence of several big companies in Noida and Greater Noida, and Greater Noida emerging as the junction of Eastern Freight Corridor and Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor, said why not there be a “Make in U.P.” slogan. However, the Chief Minister sought to dispel the notion of development in the State being centred around Noida, Greater Noida and now, Yamuna Expressway. “Development will not be limited to Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway”. He said work has started on Agra-Lucknow Expressway and efforts would be made for extending it till Purvanchal (Eastern Uttar Pradesh). “An infrastructure fund has been created for developing roads and generate power,” Mr. Yadav added.
The Chief Minister said he was hopeful that by the time the next elections are held (in 2017) the works would be completed. Pointing towards the possibility of the youth and first-time voters playing a key role in the verdict of the elections, the Chief Minister said: “the average age of the voter would be the lowest in 2017, much will depend on the party manifesto”.
He said Lucknow, Agra and Noida would be developed as cycle friendly areas and added that Haats, especially for artisans and weavers, will be built in Noida and Ghaziabad.
Talking to journalists after the completion of the programme, Mr. Yadav referred to the measures launched by the Samajwadi Party Government like the pension scheme, distribution of cycles and building cycle tracks, laptop distribution scheme and the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. The Chief Minister said as he sought to give credit to his Government for the weavers’ welfare. He rejected the allegations of the Government ignoring the cause of the farmers who suffered crop loss in the recent unseasonal rains and hailstorm. “The compensation to farmers should be increased by five times,” Mr. Yadav said.
Among the projects whose foundation stone were laid by the Chief Minister are the Gangajal Pariyojana, sewage treatment plants, police stations, Samajwadi housing scheme, botanical garden, administrative building, cycled track and power sub-stations. The projects inaugurated include a super speciality child hospital in Noida, a students’ hostel, sub-stations and auditorium of Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida.
