New India Ready to Defend Itself, Will Not Tolerate Threats to Its Security: CM Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday emphasized that the New India is capable of responding firmly to any threats against its security, speaking in a language that adversaries would understand.
He asserted that the country would not spare anyone who attempted to disturb its peace and harmony.
Addressing a public event in Lakhimpur Kheri, where he distributed loans, grants, houses, and tractors to beneficiaries under various government schemes, the Chief Minister condemned the recent terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to national security and public safety.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s transformation, Adityanath described the state as a symbol of modern infrastructure and rapid development.
He noted that whether tackling floods or managing public health crises, the “new Uttar Pradesh” was moving steadily towards sustainable solutions.
He detailed ongoing flood control measures, specifically mentioning the Sharda river channelization project. With the active involvement of public representatives and the Jal Shakti Department, a 7-kilometre-long channel is currently under construction to prevent floods from devastating agricultural fields and residential areas.
The Chief Minister stressed that public funds must be used with utmost responsibility. “The money the government spends is not personal wealth of any Chief Minister or minister; it is the hard-earned money of our taxpayers,” he said, underlining the government’s commitment to financial prudence.
He criticized earlier plans that proposed building embankments costing ₹180 crore, questioning the feasibility of controlling 3 to 3.25 lakh cusecs of water with simple mud structures.
Instead, he advocated for the proper channelization of the river, the use of dredgers, and scientific methods to permanently resolve the recurring flood problems. Following his intervention, the project cost was significantly reduced to ₹22 crore, with a strict deadline for completion set for June 10.
Once completed, the project would ensure that floodwaters no longer inundate areas like Palia, Nighasan, and Lakhimpur Kheri, but would instead be directed into the Saryu river, following the river’s natural course. This will protect farmers, homes, livestock, and thousands of hectares of farmland from flood damage.
In addition to flood control, Adityanath spoke about promoting tourism in the region. He announced that Lakhimpur Kheri’s tourism potential would be greatly enhanced by investments in Dudhwa National Park and the construction of a new airport in the district.
Efforts are also underway to protect this area from flooding caused by the Suheli River and other nearby water bodies.
Turning his attention to the welfare of farmers, the Chief Minister highlighted significant improvements made since 2017. He pointed out that under previous governments, sugarcane farmers often had to wait up to a decade for their payments.
Today, no farmer waits for more than a year for their dues. Of the 122 sugar mills operating in the state, 105 clear payments within a week,” he said. For the remaining mills facing delays, proactive solutions are being implemented, he added.
To further safeguard farmers’ interests, an escrow account system has been set up. Under this system, money from sugar sales will first be credited directly to the farmers before reaching the sugar mill owners.
The Chief Minister issued a stern warning that if any mill owner tried to cheat farmers, the government would not hesitate to auction the mill to recover dues.
Criticizing opposition parties, Adityanath accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) of pushing farmers towards suicide, encouraging youth migration, and protecting criminals during their time in power.
He also charged both the SP and Congress with attempting to divide society along caste lines, disrespecting national heroes like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rana Sanga, while glorifying historical figures like Aurangzeb and Babur, whom he termed as cruel rulers.
Reinforcing the significance of the ongoing flood control project, the CM said that once the Sharda river is fully channelized, approximately 400 villages, 2.5 lakh people, and 10,000 hectares of agricultural land would be safeguarded from seasonal flooding.
