During his visit to Ranchi, the minister chaired a high-level review meeting at the State Guest House with senior officials of the Urban Development and Housing Department. The meeting focused on the progress of flagship schemes being implemented under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Senior officials, including Urban Administration, Urban Development and Housing Department Director Nancy Sahay, mission directors and representatives from Ranchi Smart City, participated in the review.

The minister assessed the status of Prime Minister Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U 2.0), Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U 2.0), AMRUT 2.0 and the PM SVANidhi scheme. He instructed officials to ensure effective execution of all projects within the prescribed timelines and avoid delays that could affect beneficiaries.

A significant part of the discussion centred on housing projects. Sahu stressed the need to prioritise the Affordable Housing in Partnership component for the rehabilitation of slum dwellers living near Hatia Railway Station. He also emphasised the implementation of affordable rental housing facilities in industrial towns to support migrant workers and low-income families.

Under the PM SVANidhi scheme, which provides financial support to street vendors, the minister directed authorities to expedite the issuance of credit cards and improve access to financial services for beneficiaries.

Reviewing sanitation and urban infrastructure projects, Sahu instructed officials to complete all pending and ongoing projects under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and AMRUT 2.0 by March 2027. He also set a deadline of December 2026 for the scientific remediation of all legacy waste dump sites across Jharkhand.

The minister asked departments to clear pending contractor payments at the earliest to prevent project slowdowns. He further directed that tenders for community and public toilets be issued by August 2026 and advocated the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring systems to improve operational efficiency and maintenance of sanitation infrastructure.

Wastewater management in Ranchi was another key area of discussion. Sahu expressed concern over untreated wastewater entering water bodies and instructed officials to eliminate such discharge completely. He noted that the city’s existing sewage treatment capacity remains inadequate and called for the early completion of proposed sewage treatment plant projects.

At the same time, he praised the greenfield initiatives developed under the Ranchi Smart City project, describing them as examples of future-ready urban planning and sustainable city development.

Following the departmental review, the minister held separate meetings with officials from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) and National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC). He reviewed the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects and directed agencies to maintain quality standards while adhering to construction deadlines.

Sahu also highlighted the importance of effective utilisation of the Urban Challenge Fund to strengthen urban infrastructure and improve civic services.

As part of his visit, the minister inspected a compressed biogas plant and a legacy waste dump site in Ranchi. He reviewed the progress of biomining operations and scientific waste processing activities and reiterated the target of completing scientific disposal of the dump site by December 2026.

He later participated in a plantation drive on reclaimed land, underscoring the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable urban growth.

The minister’s Jharkhand visit also included a stop in Chatra district, where he paid tribute to the late mother of senior BJP worker Bindeshwar Sahu and met the bereaved family. He also interacted with local residents, BJP workers and representatives of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Simaria MLA Kumar Ujjwal Das accompanied him during the district visit.

The day concluded with Sahu offering prayers at the Maa Bageshwari Temple, where he wished for peace, prosperity and development in Jharkhand.

He said the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains committed to building clean, inclusive, modern and sustainable cities, with timely implementation of housing, sanitation and urban infrastructure projects remaining a key priority.