Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has suggested a revolutionary plan for Bundelkhand, based on the remarkable economic recovery of Noida. The newly formed Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) will lead an ambitious plan, backed by substantial investments and strategic projects. Land acquisition in Jhansi, coupled with the Bundelkhand Expressway and UP Defence Corridor, sets the stage for a transformative industrial hub. Yogi's vision positions Bundelkhand on a path similar to Noida's triumph, marking a defining moment in the region's economic landscape.
In a visionary move like that of Noida's transformation in the 1970s, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to breathe new life into the arid landscapes of Bundelkhand. This sparsely-populated region, often associated with parched lands and a surplus of jobseekers, is on the brink of a major changeover. The government has set up the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) to oversee this development.
The newly formed BIDA, headquartered in Jhansi, aims to establish industrial, residential, and commercial townships across Bundelkhand. With an eye on spurring economic growth, the government plans to attract private and public sector investments running into billions of dollars once the foundational infrastructure is in place.
The first phase of this ambitious development project involves acquiring 35,000 acres of land valued at over Rs 6,000 crore in Jhansi district, spanning 33 revenue villages. The impending land acquisition process is a major step in propelling industrial development, while also contributing to Uttar Pradesh's ambitious 1 trillion dollar economy target.
The Bundelkhand Expressway and UP Defence Corridor are set to synergise efforts with BIDA, propelling Bundelkhand into becoming a major industrial hub in North India. The allocation of Rs 8,000 crore for land acquisition, with Rs 5,000 crore dedicated to BIDA, underscores the scale and significance of this transformative initiative.
The Bundelkhand region, sprawling across seven districts in Uttar Pradesh and six districts in Madhya Pradesh, covers a staggering 69,000 square kilometres. With Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh contributing 40% and 60% of Bundelkhand's population respectively, the region's potential for growth is undeniable. Jhansi, in particular, is emerging as a focal point for the production and testing of arms and ammunition, with defence manufacturing investors already making their mark in the region.
The first board meeting of BIDA, chaired by UP's additional chief secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, signals the official kick start of this monumental initiative. Singh, also serving as UP's agricultural production commissioner and infrastructure and industrial development commissioner, brings a wealth of experience to the leadership, further underscoring the government's commitment to realising Bundelkhand's full potential.
As the initiative progresses, Bundelkhand stands at the verge of a revival, transforming from a region known for its challenges to a vibrant hub of opportunity and growth. The story unfolding in this historic land is not merely about infrastructure and investments; it's about rewriting the narrative of Bundelkhand and ushering in a new era of prosperity.