Raipur and Bilaspur among 98 cities to be developed as smart cities

RAIPUR: Raipur and Bilaspur are among the list of 98 cities, released by the union government, that are to be developed as "smart cities".
While during shortlisting by the state government, four cities, Raipur, Bilaspur, Bhilai and Durg –scored 90 points each on the parameters required for a prospective smart city, Raipur and Bilaspur were finally nominated on the basis of the service level bench marking norms, set by the union government.According to officials of the urban development department, this "objective" selection process adopted by the state government has been appreciated, as norms were followed to select the best possible city.
Officials claimed that though in many states political pressures tilted the scales on the nominated cities, in Chhattisgarh the selections was purely on objective basis and subjective prejudices were not allowed to alter the scales.
Elaborating, officials said service level benchmarks include coverage of water supply connection, per capita supply of water, extent of non- revenue water, continuity of water supply, efficiency of redressal of complaint, quality of water supply, cost recovery for water supply, collection efficiency of charges, coverage of toilet, capacity of water treatment coverage of storm water network, incidence of flooding, household coverage of Solid Waste Management (SWM) service, collection of waste and cost recovery of SWM. On these benchmarks, Raipur and Bilaspur were better off than Bhillai and Durg, they said.
Though the government was keen to develop Naya Raipur, as a smart city, it was not nominated, since it did not fulfill the basic criteria of population, established local bodies and user charges for the services provided there.
As official said since Naya Raipur is being developed on the lines of a smart city, the state government has requested the centre use it as a model city or proof of concept for development of future cities in the country.
According to officials, both Raipur and Bilaspur have been generating funds on their own for payment of salaries to the staff working the in Municipal Corporations. These MCs are also undertaking developmental work on their own funds. The online grievance and redressal systems in the both the cities are up to date and all complaints are being solved on daily basis.
Officials said both cities already have an existing plan that is valid for the next few years. They also have GIS (Geographical Information System), online facilities, water supply lines, sewerage systems, draining systems and other utilities enabling the town to efficiently meet the demand of its residents.
Smart city features include housing opportunities for all, reducing congestion, air pollution and resource depletion, boosting local economy and creating or refurbishing road network for pedestrians and cyclists, besides vehicles. It also includes preserving and developing open spaces, parks, playgrounds, and recreational space in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens by promoting eco balance.