UP CM Adityanath okays bridge on Ganga, road overbridge in Bhadohi; backs carpet industry revival

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved the construction of a bridge over the Ganga river and a road overbridge during his visit here on Monday as he lauded artisans for the local carpet industry's "resurgence".

Noting the famed carpet industry of Bhadohi has led to Uttar Pradesh gaining a 60 per cent share in India's carpet exports, he emphasised the state's support to boost the industry's global footprint.

"Ten years ago, this industry was in a poor state. But local artisans have revived it with encouragement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a result, Uttar Pradesh now accounts for 60 per cent of India's carpet exports, with Bhadohi contributing the largest share," Adityanath said.

He stressed that the industry's Geographical Indication (GI) tag and the development of the Carpet Expo Mart were the results of coordinated efforts by both the Central and state governments.

The government is also supporting entrepreneurs and artisans through various initiatives to promote India's ancient handicrafts globally, the chief minister highlighted.

In a major infrastructural push, Adityanath approved the construction of a bridge over the Ganga river near Dengarhpur in Sitamarhi and a road overbridge on the railway line between Gopiganj and Mirzapur.

The chief minister directed officials to expedite the development of an already approved mini-stadium and said an auditorium that has been sanctioned at the district headquarters would now be developed as a multipurpose hall.

He said efforts were underway to prioritise residential facilities for government officers and staffers. The status of outsourced sanitation workers under the Panchayati Raj Department was being reviewed, and steps would be taken to improve connectivity to roads linked with the district headquarters, Adityanath said.

Adityanath also inspected the district hospital, describing it as a "living monument of the previous government's apathy and corruption." He said his administration had restarted work at the facility and was overseeing the construction of a 50-bed critical care centre.

"Funds have been sanctioned for the renovation of the old hospital building and the target is to complete it by this December." The chief minister also hinted at plans to establish a medical college in Bhadohi under the public-private partnership model and said preparations were ongoing to meet required norms.

Referring to local education infrastructure, Adityanath spoke about the expansion of Kashi Naresh Government PG College.

"A proposal has been sought for land allocation. With the establishment of the agriculture faculty and staffing, the college could be developed into a state university if over 50 acres of land is made available, he said.