Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister AK Sharma has called for a greater contribution from both departments towards achieving the state’s target of becoming a $1 trillion economy. He directed officials to maximise the use of departmental schemes, ongoing projects and available resources to strengthen economic growth.
Chairing a review meeting at Sangam Auditorium in Lucknow, Sharma said the departments must identify new opportunities to increase revenue, attract investment and improve the delivery of public services. He stressed the need for a comprehensive roadmap to develop Uttar Pradesh’s cities in line with international standards.
Reviewing the Urban Development Department, officials informed the minister that revenue from municipal corporations and urban local bodies was steadily increasing. Efforts were also underway to accelerate development projects and complete them within stipulated timelines.
Sharma emphasised that higher municipal revenues and timely project execution were essential for expanding urban infrastructure, improving civic amenities and strengthening local economies. He also called for restructuring the e-Nagar Sewa scheme to make it more effective and responsive to current requirements.
The minister directed officials to study the standards, systems and operational practices followed by developed global cities and prepare a practical action plan to adapt relevant measures across Uttar Pradesh.
During the review of the Energy Department, officials reported that the pace of rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar scheme had doubled. They also highlighted ongoing initiatives in bioenergy and compressed biogas (CBG), along with revenue generated by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) through electricity sales.
Sharma asked officials to assess energy schemes and projects from an economic perspective, identify technical constraints limiting value addition and introduce necessary improvements to enhance operational efficiency and financial returns.
Principal Secretary, Energy, Ranveer Prasad stressed the need to expand investment opportunities and accelerate the growth of energy-related activities across the state.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Urban Development, P. Guru Prasad; Principal Secretary, Energy, Ranveer Prasad; UPPCL Managing Director Nitish Kumar; Special Secretary Praveen Lakshyakar; UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) Director Ravindra Kumar; Additional Director, Urban Local Bodies, Ritu Suhas; and other officials.
The review focused on improving urban governance, expanding energy-sector investment and ensuring that both departments contribute more effectively to Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth ambitions.
