According to Mr. Abhijit Pawar, Founder & Chairman, Delivering Change Foundation (DCF), people’s participation can place Nagpur among the top 10 Smart Cities in the world.
Speaking at a programme on ‘Nagpur Smart City’ organized by Mr. Pawar, MD, Sakal Media Group said, “Under a Smart City people need good roads, a better quality of life, smart solutions to their problems and a hassle-free life.”
Mr. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Nagpur District Guardian Minister also endorsed Mr. Pawar’s view and said, “There will be no funds crunch to achieve this goal”.
Mr. Pravin Datke, City Mayor and Mr. Shravan Hardikar, Municipal Commissioner, were also present on the occasion.
Mr. Bawankule said, “Both, the Central and State Government are taking several steps to make Nagpur a Smart City. Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, Shipping and Transport, has assured funds to the tune of Rs 7,000 crore for the overall infrastructure development of the city; particularly laying a road network while state Government is planning to develop with the help of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT). The slums need to be developed on par with post localities like Dharampeth and Shivaji Nagar. The Government will give more emphasis on skill development to create best human resources. The Central Jail which occupies a huge portion of land in the heart of city will be shifted to a far off place.”
He further added, “The huge land bank of all the Central and State Governments offices will be put to optimum use and idle land will be taken back for the Smart City project.”
Mr. Hardikar said, “Public opinion is necessary for the Smart City project as we want to know their sentiments and suggestions regarding this project. In the first phase, a team of dedicated volunteers are seeking suggestions from the citizens under this project. We have to think about cultural, economical and social growth of the city.”
Source- Economic Times. Read the original article here.
