NEW DELHI/VARANASI: Addressing a public meeting shortly after laying foundation stones and launching 28 development projects worth over Rs. 1,780 crores in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Uttar Pradesh is rising from its earlier hopelessness towards a state of hope and aspiration under the Yogi Adityanath government. Mr Modi also launched a number of initiatives aimed at eradicating tuberculosis.
Among the projects, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the passenger ropeway from Varanasi Cantonment station to Godowlia. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 645 crores. The 3.75 km ropeway system will have five stations and will facilitate the movement of tourists, pilgrims and residents.
Mr Modi also laid the foundation stone for a 55 MLD (million litres per day) sewage treatment plant at Bhagwanpur under the Namami Gange scheme. The project will be built at an estimated cost of '300 crores.
Under the Khelo India scheme, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Phase 2 and Phase 3 redevelopment work of Sigra Stadium. He also dedicated 19 drinking water schemes that will benefit over three lakh people in 63 panchayats under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The Prime Minister laid the groundwork for 59 drinking water schemes under the mission to further strengthen the rural drinking water system.
At the public meeting in Varanasi, Mr Modi said, "Today, Uttar Pradesh is adding new dimensions to every sector of development in the state. Uttar Pradesh has emerged from the shadows of disappointment and is now treading the path of its aspirations and expectations."
Highlighting that the governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh believe in the service of the poor, the Prime Minister said that even though the people may call him the "Pradhan Mantri," he holds the belief that he is here only to serve the people. "Kashi’s development is being talked about everywhere and every visitor is going back with new energy. Kashi defied the apprehensions of people and succeeded in transforming the city. Today, in Kashi, both the old and the new forms are simultaneously seen," the Prime Minister said, mentioning that in the past one year, over seven crore tourists visited Varanasi and brought employment opportunities for the local residents.
Addressing the "One World TB Summit" on World TB Day, Mr Modi said that India is working to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025 as against the global target of 2030. The Prime Minister mentioned that, as a country, the reflection of India’s ideology can be seen in the spirit of Vasudev Kutumbakam, i.e., the whole world is one family. "This ancient ideology is giving an integrated vision and integrated solutions to the advanced world of today," he said, pointing out that as the G-20 president, India chose the theme of "One Family, One World, One Future" based on such beliefs.
Mr Modi asserted that the thought and approach with which India worked against tuberculosis after 2014 are "incredible".
"This effort of India should be known to the whole world today because this is a new model in the global fight against TB," the PM said, adding, "In nine years, India has united in this fight against TB on many fronts such as public participation, special campaigns for nutrition, new strategies for treatment, intensive use of technology and promoting good health though campaigns like Khelo India and yoga."
Mr Modi said the country launched a unique campaign to fight the disease. "We had called upon the people of the country to make 'Ni-kshay Mitra' to join the campaign for a TB-free India. After the campaign, 10 lakh TB patients have been adopted by the common citizens. You would be surprised to know that in our country even 10-12-year-old children are taking forward the fight against TB by becoming Ni-kshay Mitra," he said. Referring to the capacity and health infrastructure enhancement during the pandemic, the Prime Minister underlined the high use of "trace, test, track, treat and technology" in the fight against the disease.
Noting that 80 per cent of tuberculosis medicines are made in India, the PM said, "I would like that more and more countries get the benefit of all such campaigns, innovations and modern technology of India. All of the countries involved in this summit can develop a mechanism for this. I am sure, this resolution of ours will definitely be fulfilled -- Yes, We can End TB."
Underscoring that India is engaged in the campaign to eradicate TB by making use of the nation’s experience, expertise and willpower, Mr Modi also stated that India is constantly ready to help every country in need. "Our campaign against TB will be successful only with sabka prayas (everyone's efforts). I believe our efforts today will strengthen the foundation of our secure future, and we will be in a position to hand over a better world to our future generations," the Prime Minister said.
