Mumbai, June 15: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hailed Gorakhpur as an exemplary model of development. He stated that over the past nine years, the city has transformed from facing health crises, poor infrastructure, flooding, crime, and identity issues to entering a new era of growth, good governance, and modern amenities.
During a public address after inaugurating and laying the foundation for 226 development projects worth ₹926 crores, CM Yogi expressed confidence that Gorakhpur will soon become a benchmark for urban development in India through new initiatives in health, education, sports, tourism, and infrastructure.
He emphasized that today marks a significant and historic day for the state, as nearly ₹1,000 crores worth of projects are being inaugurated. This also coincides with the launch of the second phase of the state’s nutrition mission, which will benefit around 20 million children in the coming years. A secure childhood ensures a secure future, and addressing malnutrition among pregnant women is crucial for the health of both mothers and their children. The first thousand days of a child’s life are vital, and proper care during this period lays a strong foundation for families, society, and the nation.
CM Yogi highlighted that a child represents not just a family, but the future of society and ultimately the nation. With this in mind, the ‘Take Home Ration’ (THR) system was launched in Prayagraj in 2022 under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over 4,000 women’s self-help groups have established plants across various development blocks to prepare nutritious recipes for lactating mothers and malnourished children.
The state government, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, has decided to provide nutritious meals at anganwadi centers for children from three years until they turn six. Programs for pre-primary education and child development are also being rapidly advanced. The age for admission to basic education councils is six, making the ages three to six crucial for learning and development.
Reflecting on the past, CM Yogi noted that Gorakhpur was once plagued by diseases, power shortages, pothole-ridden roads, flooding, unemployment, and a lack of educational facilities for girls. Before 2017, residents faced power outages for only 5-6 hours a day, often leading to protests. The impact of encephalitis was devastating, with hundreds of child fatalities, and the city was often engulfed in filth.
He remarked that the once-closed fertilizer factory was a source of frustration, while the BRD Medical College had gained notoriety for its poor condition. Travel to Lucknow took 6-8 hours, and to Varanasi, 5-6 hours. The Ramgarh Tal area was notorious for its filth, and the mere mention of Gorakhpur instilled fear among people, especially for daughters venturing out in the evening.
However, the situation has dramatically changed. Today, Gorakhpur is addressing flooding issues, creating job opportunities for youth, and providing security and benefits to traders. Initiatives for girls’ education, collective marriages, and self-reliance are underway. The BRD Medical College has improved significantly, and there is almost complete control over encephalitis. The fertilizer factory has resumed operations, ensuring timely fertilizer availability for farmers. Sugar mills are becoming active again, roads have been widened and improved, and electricity is now available 24/7. Solar panels are being installed in homes under the PM Surya scheme. Additionally, AIIMS has been established in Gorakhpur, and an international stadium is under construction.
CM Yogi stated that Ramgarh Tal has emerged as a new tourism hub, alongside the development of Chilwa Tal as an attractive destination. Travel to Lucknow now takes just three and a half hours, while Varanasi is reachable in two and a half to three hours. He urged residents to exercise caution during their visits to rivers for bathing on the upcoming Somvati Amavasya, advising them to stay within barricaded areas and keep children safe.
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