The district administration on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for holistic development of 12 villages located around the Birsa Munda International Airport.

The Ranchi deputy commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray and director of Birsa Munda airport PR Deoria inked the MoU at the collectorate.

“The project costing around Rs 6.19 crore would be implemented in three years. It is one the largest AAI project to be implemented under its corporate social responsibility programme. The United Nation Development Programme will be the implementing agency,” said the Ranchi DC.

The villages to be benefitted under the scheme include Hundru, Chota Ghagra, Hethu, Chandaghasi, Churu Lodhma, Karamtoli, Kachhatoli, Latma, Nariguttu, Khijri, Pokhartoli and Tombagattu. The project aims to bring improvement in overall living standards of people and achieve the goals envisaged under the NITI Ayog’s Transformation of Aspirational District Programme.

The villages would be provided improved medical health facilities, which include strengthening the capacity of ground functionaries. Mobile Medical Units would also be operated in these areas. All these provisions would also help the administration achieve the objectives of National Rural Health Mission.

Furthermore, the project aims to bridge the existing gaps in education infrastructure and also increase the capabilities of teachers. There is stress on education as the villages have low literacy rate and a high drop-out rate from school.

Besides, proper drainage system will be built in the villages which in turn would lead to lesser number of infectious diseases and a healthier community.

The ideas envisaged in the swachh bharat mission would also be incorporated under the scheme. The administration said that vocational training programme will also be conducted under the project to enhance the employability of youths.

In addition, village disaster management plan will be developed and community task force will be created to enable them face emergency situations.