New Delhi [India], February 22 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the meeting of the 41st edition of PRAGATI, the ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and State governments, earlier today. PM reviewed nine key infrastructure projects spread across 13 states having cumulative worth over Rs 41,500 crores.

In the meeting, nine key infrastructure projects were reviewed. Among the nine projects, three projects were from the Ministry of Road TransportHighways, two projects were from the Ministry of Railways and one project each was from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of PetroleumNatural Gas and Ministry of HealthFamily Welfare. These nine projects have a cumulative cost of over Rs 41,500 crores and relate to 13 states viz., Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh. Mission Amrit Sarovar was also reviewed in the meeting.

Prime Minister advised the Ministries and State Governments to use the PM GatiShakti portal for the planning of infrastructure projects. "He insisted on the expeditious resolution of land acquisition, utility shifting and other issues for the timely completion of projects. He emphasised ensuring proper coordination between central government ministries and state governments," an official statement said.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister also reviewed 'Mission Amrit Sarovar'. He also undertook real-time view of Amrit Sarovar sites through drones in Kishanganj, Bihar and Botad, Gujarat. Prime Minister advised all Ministries and State Governments to complete Amrit Sarovar's work in mission mode before the onset of monsoon. Prime Minister emphasised on block level monitoring for timely completion of the target of 50,000 Amrit Sarovars under the scheme.

The unique idea of 'Mission Amrit Sarovar' is working to rejuvenate water bodies all across the country, which will help conserve water for the future. Once the mission is completed, the expected increase in water holding capacity is going to be around 50 crore cubic meters, the estimated carbon sequestration will be about 32,000 tons per year and the expected increase in groundwater recharge is over 22 Million cubic metres, it added.

Moreover, the completed Amrit Sarovers are evolving as centres of community activity and participation, thus enhancing the spirit of Jan Bhagidari. Many social activities like Swachchata Rally, Jal Shapath on water conservation, school children's activities like rangoli competition, and celebration of religious festivals like Chatth Puja are being organised on the Amrit Sarovar sites, the statement informed.

During PRAGATI meetings 328 projects having a total cost of Rs 15.82 lakh crore have been reviewed till now. (ANI)