Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday approved around 431 development projects worth over `1,000 crore for villages under the newly formed Delhi Rural Development Board. This decision provides an unprecedented push for rural infrastructure to bring basic facilities on par with urban areas. The clearance was given in the Board’s first meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister at the Delhi Secretariat.
The approved funds will be used for building approach roads and village roads, developing ponds and reservoirs, setting up community Centres, parks, cremation grounds, sports fields, gyms, and libraries. Drainage systems, chaupals, banquet halls, and other facilities will also be built or renovated. In addition, drinking water facilities, streetlights, and other need-based works will be provided to make villages better connected and better equipped.
Delhi Rural Development Board chairman Raj Kumar Chauhan was also present. The Chief Minister emphasised that villages are the “lifeline of Delhi”. The core objective is to strengthen basic infrastructure and accelerate development work across the capital’s rural belt. She promised no shortage of funds for this initiative. The massive financial injection will fund roads, drains, ponds, community Centres, parks, cremation grounds, and sports fields.
The projects span 30 Assembly Constituencies and four Parliamentary Consti-tuencies. The Chief Minister called the approval of projects worth over `1,000 crore in the very first meeting a “first for Delhi”. The Chief Minister directed officials to quickly prepare area-wise project lists for each constituency. This step aims to streamline approvals and execution, promoting both transparency and speed.
Many village projects in Delhi are still pending. After reviewing both old and new proposals, the Board approved 431 new schemes. These will provide modern facilities and better infrastructure in all villages. Officials were instructed to complete all rural development projects within a set timeframe. The CM reiterated her Government’s commitment to providing rural residents with the same facilities available in urban Delhi.
The schemes will be executed with the help of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Municipal Corporation, and other agencies. In a move for better oversight, theChief Minister also suggested dividing Lok Sabha constituencies among Board members. This is intended to ensure closer monitoring, enhance accountability, and deliver faster progress.