Udaipur,The Congress on Sunday released its manifesto, or Sankalp Patra, for the upcoming Udaipur Municipal Corporation elections, accusing the incumbent BJP board of allowing the city's basic civic infrastructure and public services to deteriorate.

The party said Udaipur, known for its heritage, lakes and cultural identity, was facing challenges related to infrastructure, sanitation, environmental protection and urban planning due to a lack of micro-level planning. Congress leaders said the party was committed to developing Udaipur as a modern, citizen-centric and globally recognised city while preserving its historical and cultural character.

A key promise in the manifesto is the revival of the city's neglected riverfront and comprehensive purification of lake water through modern technology-based treatment plants. The party has also proposed a dedicated Heritage Conservation Fund for the protection of ancient temples, stepwells, ghats and historical monuments.

Congress has pledged to protect the nearly 4,000-year-old Ahar civilisation and the Ahar River from encroachment and pollution. It has also promised strict action against illegal hill cutting and construction in the Aravallis, along with measures to expand the city's green cover.

Focus on Lakes and Drinking Water

On drinking water and lake conservation, the party has proposed modern sewage treatment plants to prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and other lakes.

A special task force would be constituted to regularly monitor pollution flowing into the Berach River and Udai Sagar Lake. The party has also promised clean and regular drinking water supply with uniform pressure across all municipal wards.

Ward-Level Health and Social Support

The manifesto proposes free health clinics in every ward, offering basic health check-ups, medical consultation and medicines. Special medical assistance camps and help desks would be established at the municipal level for people requiring treatment for serious illnesses.

Congress has also promised subsidised food grains for poor families and workers. Door-to-door camps would be organised to verify and resolve pension-related issues concerning senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities.

E-Libraries and Skill Development

On education and employment, the party has proposed establishing modern e-libraries with free Wi-Fi in every ward. Skill development centres would provide free technical and vocational training to youth and women in areas such as computers, tourism and handicrafts.

The manifesto also promises a transparent and time-bound resolution of 272 disputed plots pending with the municipal corporation for years. Closed community halls across the city would be renovated and brought back into use.

For women's safety, the party has proposed installing night-vision CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations.

Housing, Fire Safety and Urban Expansion

Congress has promised residential leases for homeless people and long-settled residents. It has also proposed implementing a 70-metre free-air-space rule to improve fire safety and establishing additional fire stations in the city.

For administrative convenience, the party has proposed dividing municipal wards into zones. It also plans to position Udaipur as a future metro city, a major tourism destination and a global wedding city.

The manifesto further highlights the proposed Eastern Industrial Corridor as an opportunity to create new employment avenues for the city's youth.

Film City, Night Economy and Traffic Solutions

Among the other proposals are developing Udaipur as a Film City Township, transforming Rajiv Gandhi Park into a world-class garden on the lines of Disneyland, and making the city slum-free through regularisation of old settlements and occupations.

Congress has also proposed a ring road and satellite townships to ease traffic congestion and night food plazas to promote the city's night-time economy.

The party has pledged special programmes to preserve the Mewari language and culture, introduce a life insurance policy for citizens and undertake a rational review of the Urban Development Tax (UD Tax).

At the conclusion of the manifesto, Congress appealed to residents to come together to protect Udaipur's historical, cultural and natural heritage. The party urged voters to support its vision of transforming Udaipur into a more developed, sustainable and globally recognised city.

The manifesto was released by Raghuveer Singh Meena, president of the Dehat Udaipur District Congress Committee and former Udaipur MP; Tarachand Meena, former district collector and former Lok Sabha candidate; Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Pradesh Congress general secretary and spokesperson; Fateh Singh Rathore, president of the Udaipur City District Congress Committee; Prof. P.R. Vyas, chairman of the Congress Manifesto Committee, Udaipur; and Congress Vichar Vibhag members Prof. Dariyav Singh Chundawat and Prof. Mahesh Sharma.

Congress workers and office-bearers, including Firoz Ahmed Sheikh and Dinesh Dave, were also present on the occasion.