Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that special emphasis will be placed on enhancing the water supply infrastructure in Faridabad. He directed officials to ensure the timely establishment of all necessary infrastructure. In addtion, he also instructed that a new 20 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) be constructed to address sewerage-related issues in the Mirzapur Zone.
The Chief Minister was presiding over the sixth meeting of the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) in Faridabad today. During the meeting, a development budget of approximately Rs 773.24 crore was approved to accelerate infrastructure and civic improvements.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Cooperation Sh Krishan Pal Gurjar, Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh. Vipul Goyal, Minister of State for Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sh Rajesh Nagar, MLAs Mool Chand Sharma, Satish Phaganna, Dhanesh Adlakha, and Faridabad Mayor Praveen Batra Joshi.
To ensure timely completion of development projects, the Chief Minister directed officials to expedite ongoing works. While reviewing the progress of decisions made during the previous FMDA meeting, hei emphasized fast-tracking the implementation of Phase II works before commencing Phase III of the CCTV surveillance project to strengthen public safety and traffic management. To further improve the city’s sewerage system, the Chief Minister instructed the immediate construction of a 45 MLD capacity STP and a Main Pumping Station in village Badshahpur. He also reviewed the status of water supply augmentation projects in Faridabad.
*Water Supply to be Augmented in NIT and Badkhal Assembly Constituencies*
It was informed in the meeting that to bridge the gap between the existing water supply and projected demand by 2040, a proposal of Rs 2,174 crore as per the Master Development Plan 2031 has been submitted to the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) for financial assistance, following its approval in the fifth FMDA meeting.
As part of this initiative, Rs 253.28 crore has been proposed to address water shortages in NIT and Badkhal Assembly Constituencies. The project includes laying 5 new rain wells, a 40 km pipeline network, and establishing boosting stations, which will collectively increase water supply by 50 MLD. This proposal was approved. In addition, the FMDA approved to takeover 5 acres of land in village Bajri/Gazipur under the jurisdiction of the Faridabad Municipal Corporation for constructing an intermediate boosting station to improve water supply in remote areas of the NIT and Badkhal constituencies.
Approval granted for construction of new 20 MLD STP in Mirzapur, existing pumping stations in Mujesar, Anaj Mandi and Hari Vihar will be upgraded
During the meeting, the Chief Minister was apprised that the existing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the Mirzapur zone has a current capacity of 80 MLD, which is proposed to be enhanced to 107 MLD in accordance with the Development Plan for the year 2031. To bridge this gap in sewerage treatment capacity, a proposal was presented for the construction of a 20 MLD STP using SBR technology, compliant with Central Pollution Control Board standards. The project, to be executed by FMDA at an estimated cost of Rs 57.30 crore, was approved during the meeting. Additionally, considering the need to repair the existing sewerage system, which was laid approximately 30 to 40 years ago, the proposal for reconstruction of Intermediate Pumping Stations (IPS) in Sectors 3, 4, and 24 of Mujesar was also approved. The proposal further includes the repair of IPS in Sector 9, Sector 18, Anaj Mandi, and Hari Vihar.
*Approval accorded to set up micro STP, emphasis on reuse of treated water in parks and industry*
To conserve available freshwater resources and enhance groundwater sustainability, the proposal to promote the reuse of treated wastewater was also approved during the meeting. This initiative will cover over 349 acres of green belt area across 234 FMDA-maintained parks and 24 sectors. Additionally, directions were issued to utilize treated wastewater for industrial purposes as well. As part of this initiative, 12 micro STPs of 500 KLD capacity each are proposed to be developed. These plants will cater to the irrigation needs of parks and green belts, resulting in the conservation of approximately 6 MLD of freshwater.
*Proposal to develop groundwater recharge water body in floodplain area of Yamuna river approved*
A proposal was also presented during the meeting to develop a groundwater recharge water body in the floodplain area of the Yamuna River. Approval was granted for the construction of a recharge water body on 20 acres of land in the revenue estate of village Nangla Majra Chandpur, which will be utilized for recharging groundwater. Also, FMDA will extend financial assistance to the Development and Panchayat Department, if required, for the construction of new ponds in 50 villages located along the Yamuna River, under the Government of India’s Amrit Sarovar Yojana. The issue of facilitating groundwater recharge through the Budhiya Nala was also discussed during the meeting.
*Officer Ratings to be based on Public Feedback; Nodal Department to Be Formed for Anti-Encroachment Action*
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini directed officials of various departments to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for sewerage and repair-related works. The SOP will clearly define the responsibilities of each department. Furthermore, the performance of officers will be evaluated based on public feedback. Strict action will be taken against those officers whose performance is deemed unsatisfactory.
The Chief Minister also instructed the formation of a dedicated nodal department to address the issue of encroachments, ensuring strict and coordinated action against such violations. Instructions were also given to engage sanitation workers through outsourcing in the villages recently integrated into the MCF.
Lateron, while speaking to the media persons, the Chief Minister said that ensuring adequate water supply is a top priority and should not be viewed through a political lens. “Water is life, and every citizen has the right to receive their fair share,” he said. He added that all development works are being carried out in alignment with long-term planning for the next 20 to 30 years.
When asked about the pending work at Raja Nahar Singh Stadium, the Chief Minister stated that an investigation report has been sought regarding the matter. He stressed that public funds must be utilized responsibly and warned that any negligence will not be tolerated. Officers have been directed to maintain quality standards and adhere strictly to project timelines.
Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi attended the meeting via video conferencing. Also present were FMDA Principal Advisor D.S. Dhesi, FMDA CEO Shyamal Mishra, Urban Local Bodies Commissioner Vikas Gupta, along with other senior officials.
Jungle Safari being built in Haryana to promote eco-tourism: Rao Narbir Singh
Haryana Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh has said due to increasing pollution, environmental conservation is becoming a global concern. To maintain environmental balance, we have to be sensitive towards nature and wildlife. Many new startups are showing keen interest in nature and wildlife conservation, which is a commendable initiative alongside government efforts.
Rao Narbir Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently appealed to countrymen to save wildlife in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. In this regard, the Haryana Forest Department is preparing a programme for Jungle Safari and Green Wall Project to save wildlife in the Aravalli region. He said the Jungle Safari project was to be prepared by the Tourism Department earlier, but now Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has handed over its responsibility to the Forest and Wildlife Department. The department is working at a fast pace. Rao Narbir Singh said the Chief Minister will visit Vantara Project in Jamnagar (Gujarat) on June 7 and 8. He himself will also accompany him. He said under the Aravalli Green Wall Project, more than 1.15 million hectares of land in four states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi will be developed and this will demonstrate an exemplary model of multi-state cooperation. There is also a focus on afforestation with indigenous species of forests, biodiversity conservation, improving soil health and increasing groundwater recharge.
He said these projects will not only provide employment opportunities to the people in the Aravalli region but will also promote biodiversity conservation and environment-friendly resource management. He said in Haryana, to make the young generation aware of this noble work of nature and to increase their means of livelihood, Van Mitras have been appointed in the state, who are connecting the local people with the forests.
Haryana Sets Up State Task Force to Eliminate Malnutrition and Anaemia
Task Force to Hold Fortnightly Meetings
The sixth meeting of the State Convergence Committee under Haryana’s POSHAN Abhiyaan was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi. A key decision taken during the meeting was the constitution of a State Task Force to monitor and coordinate programmes aimed at eliminating malnutrition and anaemia among women and children across the state.
The task force will include representatives from the Health, AYUSH, Education, and Women and Child Development departments and will be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development Department. The Task Force will meet fortnightly to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of all interventions.
Ground-Level Monitoring Through Poshan Panchayats
After the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Women and Child Development and Health and Family Welfare Departments, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal stated that the Poshan Abhiyaan is being implemented with a focus on ground-level monitoring. This includes the establishment of Poshan Panchayats at the village level.
To strengthen village-level interventions, sub-committees comprising 10–15 women are being formed under Gram Panchayats. These committees will meet monthly to monitor Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), conduct social audits of food quality, perform spot checks at Anganwadi centres, and participate in village health programmes. Under the National Suposhit Panchayat Abhiyan, Gram Panchayats will also be encouraged to coordinate efforts to reduce malnutrition.
Nutrition Gardens and Improved Water Supply
To improve dietary diversity, a plan has been developed to create Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens) at Anganwadi centres, schools, panchayat lands, and community spaces. The Horticulture and AYUSH Departments will provide plants, seeds (including medicinal plants), and technical assistance. The Horticulture Department will also plant fruit-bearing trees along roadsides.
Under the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan, the Public Health Engineering Department is working to provide universal water connections to all Anganwadi centres. Sh. Rajpal urged Panchayats to actively support maintenance and minor repairs of these centres. Officials from the Panchayati Raj Department assured that each Panchayat would allocate up to Rs 25,000 per Anganwadi centre for such repairs.
Technology-Driven Reforms and Food Fortification
To improve transparency and efficiency in ration distribution, the Poshan Tracker App has been integrated with a facial recognition system, ensuring that benefits are received only by genuine beneficiaries.
The Mukhyamantri Dudh Uphaar Yojana has also been strengthened through the launch of an online Management Information System (MIS) to monitor the supply and demand of fortified milk for children and pregnant or lactating mothers.
Additionally, the Food and Supplies Department has been directed to explore the possibility of making it mandatory to fortify rice, wheat, and mustard oil sold in the state, as a further step to combat nutritional deficiencies.
Significant Gains in Nutrition Outcomes
A Comprehensive Convergence Action Plan for 2025–26 has been submitted to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, outlining cross-departmental strategies to achieve targeted nutrition goals.
Rajpal added that the concerted efforts under the Poshan Abhiyaan have already yielded significant results. The proportion of underweight children has reduced from 29.4% to 21.5%, while stunting has declined from 34% to 27.5%.
Narnaul’s historical sites steal the show on global platform
Haryana’s film shooting sites at WAVE-2025, catching the eye of Hollywood and Bollywood
Exhibition organised by the Department of Information, Public Relations, and Languages
Subsidy up to Rs 2 crore is given under Haryana Film and Entertainment Policy-2022
Narnaul’s historical sites have made a significant mark on the international stage with their uniqueness and cultural heritage at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVE-2025) held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The Department of Information, Public Relations, Languages and is not only showcasing the historical sites of the state but also the cultural heritage of Haryana.
Sharing information in this regard Sh. Neeraj Kumar, Joint Director, Information, Public Relations, and Languages Department, said that the pavilion has been set up under the guidance of Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages Department Sh. K.M. Pandurang. The main objective of the pavilion is to attract filmmakers to make films in Haryana. The historical places of Narnaul city are particularly prominent in this pavilion. Prominent among the sites featured are the Jal Mahal, the Mahendragarh Fort, the Chhatta of Rai Bal Mukand, and the scenic Dhosi Hills. Videos of these locations are continuously played at the pavilion and are impressing many Bollywood and Hollywood production companies. The WAVE-2025 summit, attended by prominent figures from 130 countries in the fields of art, culture, media, film, and technology, has added to the significance of the event.
Neeraj Kumar said that the Haryana government has formulated the “Haryana Film and Entertainment Policy-2022”, which provides for subsidies to filmmakers. Under this policy, selected films are eligible for subsidies ranging from Rs. 50 lakhs to Rs. 2 crores.
This policy not only aims to preserve and promote Haryana’s rich folk culture through cinema but also encourages entertainment and helps generate employment in the state. Since the introduction of this policy, Haryana has started attracting producers making films in languages other than Bollywood through “single-window” shooting permissions and subsidy incentives.
