Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], December 26: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, during the inauguration of the ‘Kankaria Carnival 2024’ in Ahmedabad, emphasized that the event reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of integrating heritage with modern development under the theme “Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi.”
The CM noted that Ahmedabad, a World Heritage City, celebrates both its rich culture and ongoing urban progress through the carnival’s theme-based programs, aimed at inspiring participation in Gujarat’s development, with the focus on ‘Viksit Gujarat, Viksit Bharat.’
On Good Governance Day, CM Patel presented development projects worth Rs 868 crore, targeting enhanced urban well-being and ease of living for the citizens of Ahmedabad. He also celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation organizing a Vikas Utsav alongside the carnival’s festivities.
CM Patel highlighted that good governance means providing opportunities for even the most marginalized groups. Under the leadership of PM Modi, urban development has been revitalized, ushering in a new era of infrastructure and recreation facilities for the city’s residents. He congratulated the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for the successful organization of the carnival, which was initiated by PM Modi in 2008 to bring affordable entertainment to children from working-class families.
The Chief Minister recalled the transformation of Kankaria Lake, noting that the lake front development in 2006, under PM Modi’s leadership, marked a major milestone with an investment of Rs 36 crore. He urged citizens to maintain cleanliness during the carnival and work together to make Ahmedabad a cleaner and more attractive heritage city.
As part of the event, CM Patel inaugurated six development projects worth Rs 25.73 crore and laid the foundation for 28 additional projects totaling Rs 842.03 crore. These initiatives include urban infrastructure, healthcare, education, and housing. Notably, 345 families from Ahmedabad’s slum areas were provided permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).
The Chief Minister also inaugurated a reconstructed garden at Maninagar, an animal shelter at Vatwa, Karuna Mandir, and Anganwadi centers at Nikol and Vatwa. He laid the foundation for new community facilities, such as a gym, library, health center, and various infrastructure projects, including water and drainage systems.
During the carnival, students from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Education Board set a world record for consuming the most candies in a specified time, earning a Guinness World Record certificate in the presence of CM Patel. The festivities included a parade, music bands, artist performances, and thrilling stunts.