Rajnath Singh inaugurates 14 projects worth over ₹100 crore in Lucknow Cantonment
Lucknow, August 30. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed the Bhoomi Pujan for 14 development projects worth more than ₹100 crore at Lucknow Cantonment, aimed at upgrading civic amenities and urban infrastructure in the military station.
The projects include an artificial intelligence-based solid waste management plant, a multi-utility sports complex, a modern crematorium, a 1,500-KL underground water reservoir, replacement of ageing water supply pipelines and construction of eight tubewells equipped with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) automation.
Other projects include overhead water tanks with SCADA systems, a special school for differently-abled children, additional classrooms and toilets at RA Bazar Madhyamik Vidyalaya and Rainbow Model School, a multi-level robotic car parking facility with a commercial complex, and legacy waste bio-mining and bio-remediation facilities.
Two projects – the RA Bazar City Polyclinic and Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Coaching Centre – are being implemented in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government.
Singh and Adityanath also joined around 4,000 people in listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme on August 30.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said the projects represent a comprehensive effort to improve sanitation, cleanliness, water supply, education, healthcare, sports facilities and urban infrastructure in Lucknow Cantonment.
He said the development of the cantonment was closely linked to the overall progress of Lucknow and that coordinated efforts by the Centre and the state government could accelerate development and strengthen good governance.
Highlighting the government’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047, Singh said development should not be measured merely by large infrastructure projects or modern buildings. He stressed that the vision also encompasses quality education for children, access to clean drinking water, opportunities for young people to participate in sports and facilities that ensure differently-abled children are not left behind.
The Defence Minister said the government’s objective was to ensure that development translates directly into an improved quality of life for citizens.
Cantonment markets renamed
Singh also highlighted the renaming of several markets in Lucknow Cantonment, saying names associated with the British era had been replaced with those of prominent personalities from India’s freedom struggle and national life.
Royal Artillery Bazar has been renamed Ekta Bazar, British Cavalry Bazar as Uda Devi Bazar, and British Infantry Bazar as Matadin Valmiki Bazar. Another British Infantry Bazar has been named Mangal Pandey Bazar, while Kanedy Market has been renamed Atal Bihari Vajpayee Market.
According to Singh, the initiative is intended to reconnect future generations with India’s national heritage and inspire them towards public service.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak, Minister of State Asim Arun, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma, Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharwal, Director General of Defence Estates Shobha Gupta, HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K, BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain, and senior officials from the armed forces, Centre, state government and Lucknow Cantonment Board attended the event.
