CM Nayab Singh Saini chairs HPWC meeting, urban infrastructure projects worth Rs 127.87 crore approved

Savings of nearly Rs 8.77 crore achieved during HPWC meeting

CM emphasizes quality and timely execution during HPWC meeting on urban infrastructure projects

Chandigarh, January 28 - A significant meeting of the High-Powered Works Committee (HPWC) of the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Department was held under the chairmanship of Haryana CM Sh. Nayab Singh Saini at Haryana Niwas here today. During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on proposals related to major urban infrastructure and development projects across the state. Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh. Vipul Goel was also present in the meeting.

A total of 3 tenders with an approximate cost of Rs 136.64 crore were considered in the HPWC meeting while re-tendering was ordered in the fourth project. For these 3 tenders, detailed negotiations were conducted with the bidders. After negotiations, the final agreed value of these works was fixed at approximately Rs 127.87 crore. Through this transparent and effective negotiation process, the state government ensured savings of nearly Rs 8.77 crore, reflecting strong financial management and efficient use of public resources.

The projects approved included tender for providing water supply system for civic amenities and infrastructure-deficient areas in Faridabad town under the AMRUT programme, and work of mechanized and manual sweeping of roads in the Municipal Corporation, Ambala City, aimed at improving cleanliness and urban sanitation. In addition, the committee also cleared balance works related to Public Health Services, Electrical, HVAC and Firefighting systems for the redevelopment of the Shree Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine Campus in Gurugram.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for timely execution of projects and strict adherence to quality standards. He reiterated the State Government’s commitment to strengthening urban infrastructure, improving service delivery and ensuring transparency in public works.Principal Secretary to CM Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary to CM and Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Local Bodies, Dr. Saket Kumar, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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Strict compliance to water conservation and pollution control norms mandatory for dhabas on GT Road: Rao Narbir Singh

Forest and Environment Minister holds meeting with Murthal Dhaba owners

Chandigarh, January 28 – Haryana Environment, Forest and Wild Life Minister Rao Narbir Singh has called upon dhaba operators along the GT Road, especially in the Murthal area, to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He said that the installation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) and Common Treatment Plants (CTP) in all dhabas is mandatory to ensure water conservation and reuse.

The Minister was chairing a meeting with dhaba owners from Murthal, led by MLA, Sh. Devender Kadyan. During the meeting, the Minister made it clear that dhaba operators running their establishments without Change of Land Use (CLU) permission must complete all required documentation related to municipal taxes and other statutory charges. Even dhabas with approved CLU must strictly follow all norms laid down by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, failing which action and penalties will be imposed as per rules, he added.

Rao Narbir Singh said that the government does not intend to harm any business. The objective is to protect the environment, conserve water resources, and ensure that all commercial activities operate in an organised and lawful manner. He directed Secretary, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh.Yogesh Kumar to hold discussions with the Board Chairman at the earliest and take necessary steps towards a comprehensive solution.

During the meeting, the Minister was informed that when closure orders are issued against dhabas during inspections by the NGT and other relevant institutions, penalties are calculated based on the period from the date of construction of the dhaba to the date of inspection. Responding to this, the Minister advised dhaba operators to ensure timely compliance with all norms to avoid any action.

He appealed to the dhaba owners to voluntarily adopt environment-friendly measures and cooperate with the government and administration so that the Murthal area can be made clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable.

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Cabinet Minister Shruti Choudhry holds meeting with officers on upcoming budget

Minister reviews budget expenditure of Irrigation and Water Resources Department till December

Remaining budget to be utilised in a proper and effective manner

Advance planning directed for the new budget

Chandigarh, January 28 – Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, held a meeting with senior officers of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department to review the work carried out so far, utilisation of the budget, and future plans in view of the upcoming budget.

During the meeting, the Minister sought detailed information regarding the budget expenditure incurred by the department till December. She also reviewed how the remaining budget would be utilised in a proper and effective manner. She made it clear that the government’s objective is to ensure that every rupee is spent in the public interest and that no allocated funds remain unused.

Smt. Shruti Choudhry directed the officers to prepare advance planning for the new budget so that works related to irrigation projects, canal repairs, water conservation, and farmer welfare are completed on time. She said that all schemes must be visible on the ground and should not remain limited to paperwork. The Minister directed officers to perform their duties with complete honesty and responsibility, warning that strict action would be taken against those failing to discharge their responsibilities properly.

The Irrigation and Water Resources Minister said that the department is directly linked to farmers and the state’s economy, and therefore no laxity would be tolerated. She emphasised that the government’s priority is efficient management of water resources, strengthening irrigation facilities, and ensuring timely water supply to farmers. She also directed officers to work in coordination, visit the field to assess the actual status of schemes, and resolve public issues on a priority basis.

Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, along with other departmental officers, was present during the meeting.

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Surajkund Craft Festival to make a strong mark on the world’s cultural and tourism map- Dr. Arvind Sharma

*Vice President to inaugurate the Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to grace the Event as Special Guests

Festival to feature participation from over 50 Countries, with Egypt as Partner Nation and Uttar Pradesh–Meghalaya as Theme States

Surajkund Mela to Provide a Global Platform for Weavers, Artisans, and Artists

Chandigarh, January 28 — Haryana Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the 39th Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival will make a strong impact on the world’s cultural and tourism map. With the objective of realizing Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Mela will strengthen the cultural heritage of national and international artists, artisans, and weavers, while giving fresh momentum to intellectual and commercial activities. The guiding mantra of the festival will be “Local to Global – Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

Dr. Arvind Sharma while addressing a press conference at his office in the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Wednesday shared that the Vice President of India, Sh. C.P. Radhakrishnan, will inaugurate the craft conclave at Surajkund, Faridabad, on January 31. Union Tourism Minister, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will attend as special guests. He added that the 16-day-long festival will conclude on February 15, with Governor, Professor Ashim Kumar Ghosh as the Chief Guest.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the 39th Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival is not merely an event, but a celebration of India’s cultural unity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of self-reliance. He said that the festival will live up to its commitment to preserving Haryana’s heritage, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for talented artisans and craftsmen, and strengthening international cultural cooperation.

He informed that Egypt, as the Partner Nation for the fourth time, will attract visitors with its ancient art and culture, while the Theme States Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya will showcase their rich cultural and folk traditions at the fairground. Last year, 635 participants from 44 countries displayed their talent, whereas this year nearly 800 participants from over 50 countries will take part.

The Heritage and Tourism Minister further shared that more than 1,200 stalls have been allotted at the festival for national and international weavers, artisans, and for the exhibition and sale of traditional crafts. Renowned artists including Padma Shri Kailash Kher, Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan, and Padma Shri Mahabir Guddu, among others, will perform at the festival.

To keep Haryana’s cultural and folk art traditions alive, regional artists will perform on various stages, featuring traditional musical instruments such as the ektara, sarangi, and dheru. Keeping in view the increasing footfall of tourists every year, infrastructure development works worth approximately Rs. 4.75 crore have been undertaken at the fairground. These include beautification of the venue, widening of pathways, construction of 127 new huts, repair of old huts, and expansion of the amusement area.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma also expressed deep grief over the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. Sh. Ajit Pawar in a crash landing.

Sharing more information, Commissioner and Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, said that the Surajkund International Craft Mela is not just a fair, but an event with national and international recognition. Artisans from all corners of the country participate in it, along with wide international participation. He said that the fair witnesses continuous demand and diversity in craft products.

Dr. Agarwal further said that the Surajkund Mela is organized not for commercial purposes, but to promote artisans and their craftsmanship. The event strengthens self-reliance, enhances export potential, and gives local products a global platform, thereby realizing the vision of “Local to Global.”

Director, Tourism, Sh. Parth Gupta also remained present on this occasion.

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CM Nayab Singh Saini to Hold Pre-Budget Consultations with Stakeholders in Manesar and Panipat today

Chandigarh, January 20 - Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will participate in the pre-budget consultation programmes in Manesar and Panipat on Wednesday. The objective of these programmes is to make the forthcoming State Budget more inclusive, development-oriented and aligned with public aspirations. This initiative is considered an important step by the State Government towards ensuring the participation of every section of society in the budget formulation process.

Senior administrative officers of the State Government, industrialists, representatives of industrial organisations, key stakeholders from the business community and experts from various fields will be present at the meetings in Manesar and Panipat. During the consultations, detailed discussions will be held on issues related to industrial development, investment promotion, employment generation, expansion of infrastructure, skill development, innovation and the overall economic progress of the State.

Through these pre-budget consultation programmes, the government aims to incorporate valuable suggestions into the policy-making process so that the forthcoming budget can provide a new direction to the overall development of the State and ensure equal opportunities for all sections.

It is noteworthy that earlier, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also participated in pre-budget consultation programmes held in Faridabad, Gurugram and Hisar. During those meetings, discussions were held with women, panchayat representatives, social organisations and representatives of various sections of society. Through these interactions, suggestions related to development and issues concerning both rural and urban areas were collected.

These pre-budget consultation programmes being organised by the State Government are being regarded as an important step towards preparing a strong, balanced and future-oriented budget for the upcoming financial year, with special emphasis on maintaining a balance between development, social justice and economic strength.