Stating that urban development must not be limited to infrastructure like buildings and roads but must also focus on making cities vibrant, sensitive, and self-reliant, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that mayors, as the first citizens, play a significant role in ensuring the development and progress of the cities. Mayors implement government policies and schemes on the ground and understand the aspirations of citizens, and work to resolve their issues. In the vision of local self-governance, mayors are akin to the backbone, Saini added while addressing the 115th meeting of the All India Mayor's Executive Council held in Panchkula.
He said that in Haryana, mayors are directly elected by the people and possess executive powers. This system creates a strong bridge between citizens and their representatives, making the decision-making process more accountable and effective, he added.
Saini said, “We view urbanization not as a challenge but as an opportunity. The state's vision is to make cities a blend of "Ease of Living" and "Ease of Doing Business." He said that by 2047, nearly 900 million people in India are expected to live in cities. This is not just a number but a vast opportunity, for new infrastructure, new lifestyles, and new possibilities. He emphasized the need for this transition to be aligned with planned urbanization, digital integration, and environmental sustainability.
He said that in Haryana, the budget allocated to Urban Local Bodies has increased from Rs. 1,693 crore in 2014–15 to Rs. 5,666 crore in 2025–26. Four Metropolitan Development Authorities have been established, and cities like Faridabad and Karnal are being developed as Smart Cities.
Under this initiative, 45 projects worth Rs. 930 crore are underway in Faridabad, while 122 projects worth Rs. 927 crore are ongoing in Karnal. Besides this, 2417 unauthorized colonies have been regularized, and development works worth Rs. 1,000 crore are being carried out in newly authorized colonies, shared Saini.
The Chief Minister said that under the AMRUT Mission, Rs. 2,930 crore has been spent so far. Of the target to deploy 375 electric buses, 50 have already started operations across 9 cities, and 450 more buses will be procured by 2026 under the PM-eBus Seva Scheme.
He further said that 21,431 houses have been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), and 11,412 houses are under construction. Under the Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana, 15,256 families across 14 cities have been allotted plots.