Gorakhpur, May 12 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that democracy thrives on meaningful dialogue, while stressing that public participation and open communication are key to achieving ease of doing business and living.
Speaking after inaugurating the Urban Service Centre and Senior Citizen Day Care Centre in Civil Lines, the CM said, "In a democracy, the public is not just seen as ordinary citizens, but revered as 'Janata Janardan'. It is with this spirit that we must move forward."
Reflecting on India’s global progress, he said the country is reaching new milestones in a rapidly changing world. "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India, during the Amrit Kaal of Independence, overtook Britain, its former colonial ruler, to become the fifth largest economy. And now, we have surpassed Japan to become the fourth largest economy in the world," he said.
He said, "The nation's prosperity must be the collective goal of all citizens. Aligned with this vision, Uttar Pradesh has launched a sustained campaign to promote urban development over the past eight years."
Describing Gorakhpur as the lifeline for nearly five crore people of eastern UP, Yogi noted the city's remarkable transformation. "Not long ago, Gorakhpur resembled a Nagar Panchayat. But today, it is a municipal corporation counted among the state's major urban centres. Progress in connectivity, tourism, sanitation and public services reflects our commitment to inclusive growth," he said.
He praised the Municipal Corporation for successfully developing the Urban Service Centre and the Senior Citizen Day Care Centre. "The Service Centre will offer residents of 16 wards one-stop access to key municipal services, while the Day Care Centre will provide health, recreational, and learning facilities for the elderly," he said.
The CM said, "Today, Gorakhpur is changing, and it is essential that the common citizen becomes part of this transformation,” CM Yogi said. “Real change happens when people embrace it as a collective movement. The vision of a Smart City will only be realised when every citizen engages with the new systems being put in place."
He also urged citizens to take ownership of urban development by forming mohalla sanitation committees, ensuring proper functioning of street lighting systems and creating designated vending zones to improve traffic flow. "Citizens, too, have a vital role in shaping the cities they live in," he said.
During the event, Yogi directed the Municipal Corporation to begin early monsoon preparations, stressing the need to prevent water logging by promptly clearing drains and removing silt. He also urged strict enforcement of the plastic ban.
Highlighting recent progress, he said, "The city's drainage system has improved significantly. Today, Gorakhpur is recognised for efficient drainage, not for waterlogging. With the completion of the Gordhaiya Nala Project, this system will be further strengthened and the site itself will be developed into a tourism spot."
The Chief Minister also felicitated several Municipal Corporation personnel, including the Assistant Municipal Commissioner, for outstanding performance in tax collection, presenting them with certificates and mementos.
Following the inauguration, CM Yogi inspected the Urban Facilitation Centre and the Senior Citizen Day Care Centre to review the infrastructure and services offered.
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