The Gujarat Government has launched a major Rs 650 crore rural sanitation initiative aimed at improving cleanliness and strengthening public health infrastructure in villages across the state. The scheme, titled Mukhyamantri Nirmal Gram Yojana, focuses on raising sanitation standards and ensuring sustainable waste management in rural areas.

Mukhyamantri Nirmal Gram Yojana: Key Highlights

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the scheme is currently active in 667 villages across 21 talukas in 12 districts of Gujarat. The initiative is being implemented by the Gujarat Panchayat Department with a strong focus on long-term hygiene improvements.

Under the programme:

• Gram Panchayats will appoint agencies for door-to-door waste collection and cleaning of public spaces.

• Collected waste will be transported to designated dumping sites within the village.

• The respective taluka authorities will ensure further transportation of accumulated waste to the nearest municipality or municipal corporation processing units.

The initiative is also operational in urban development authorities such as Rajkot Urban Development Authority (RUDA), Gandhinagar Urban Development Authority (GUDA), and Vadodara Urban Development Authority (VUDA).

The primary goal is to improve rural sanitation infrastructure, promote cleanliness, and reduce health risks linked to improper waste disposal.

Support Under Swachh Bharat Mission

The scheme also aligns with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission, offering incentives for the repair and maintenance of sanitation assets and vehicles. This support ensures the sustainability of rural cleanliness efforts and encourages consistent waste management practices.

Rs 302.40 Crore Approved for Two New Bridges in Narmada District

In a separate development, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has approved infrastructure projects worth Rs 302.40 crore to improve connectivity in the tribal region of Narmada district.

Bridge Projects to Improve Rural Connectivity

The approved projects include:

• Rs 123.13 crore for constructing a bridge from Rengan Ghat to Rampura Ghat

• Rs 179.27 crore for a bridge connecting Shaherav Ghat to Tilakwada Ghat

These new bridges will significantly benefit over 18,000 residents from around 11 villages, ensuring smoother connectivity to district and taluka headquarters.

Villages such as Tilakwada, Vasan, Rengan, Rampura, Mangrol, and Shaherav are expected to gain improved access to transportation, education, healthcare, and government services.

Strengthening Rural Infrastructure and Development

The twin initiatives—rural sanitation improvement and bridge construction projects—reflect the state government’s focus on enhancing rural development, public health, and infrastructure growth. These projects aim to create cleaner villages and stronger connectivity networks, supporting long-term economic and social progress in Gujarat.