Wayanad (Kerala) [India], June 25 (ANI): Following the intervention of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, approval has been granted by the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) for 300 roads under Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), ensuring inclusion across all blocks, said a statement from Office of Priyanka Gandhi.
The announcement was made during the first-quarter review meeting of the DISHA 2025-26 committee, chaired by Priyanka Gandhi, to assess the implementation of central government development programs by various departments.
Initially, 331 roads were identified under PMGSY for Wayanad, out of which only 64 roads in Kalpetta Block had received NRIDA’s approval. Roads in Panamaram, Mananthavady, and Sulthan Bathery Blocks were excluded.
However, Priyanka Gandhi’s efforts secured approval for 300 roads, ensuring equitable consideration for all blocks. She had previously written to Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chauhan, requesting fairness in road allocations.
During the meeting, discussions were held on the Wayanad Medical College land acquisition and the establishment of a Critical Care Unit (CCU) at Kalpetta Kainatti Government Hospital. Officials assured that progress on these initiatives was underway. A central fund of Rs 23.75 crores had been sanctioned for the CCU, with its deadline set for March 2026. MP Priyanka Gandhi stressed expediting the project’s completion.
The ICDS Project Officer submitted a list of 25 Anganwadis with own land but lacking buildings. The MP assured that efforts would be made to secure CSR funds to construct facilities for these centers.
Regarding the halted construction of the Chenalode-Ootupura road under the CRIF fund, numerous complaints were noted, and the MP directed immediate resumption of work. MP Priyanka Gandhi also emphasized completing the ongoing construction of the Vellamunda-Puliyanchal road under PMGSY without delay.
She addressed the declining Delta Ranking in the Aspirational Districts Programme, urging the health department and other relevant authorities to take corrective measures. The meeting also evaluated the construction progress of the Achurpalam bridge under PMGSY, with the MP instructing expeditious completion.
Progress in other central schemes in Wayanad, including PMAY, MGNREGA, education, health, agriculture, and disaster management, was also reviewed. MP Priyanka Gandhi assured comprehensive support for the district, expressing concerns about challenges posed by natural calamities. (ANI)