Belagavi selected for Smart City project

BELAGAVI: According to expectations, Belagavi city, known as Kunda Nagari has been selected for Smart City project in the first list of 20 cities announced by the central government on Thursday.
Belagavi had secured highest 96.87 marks of the 100 in the evaluation of 10 proposed cities of the state conducted by urban development department. City stood top in different 12 parameters including budget management, audit reports, sanitation programme, water supply, e-governance, website updates, tax collection etc.
According to sources of Belagavi City Corporation (BCC), army base - Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC), Airforce Training School (ATS) located in city turned plus points to city to select for the project. Successful implementation of pilot programme of 24X7 water supply in 10 wards, besides rejuvenation of over 60 old water wells which received national award turned positive. Three universities including VTU and Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS) located in city are other favoured aspects.
“Effective plan prepared by the city corporation is one of the main reasons to select Belagavi for Smart City project in the first list. Along with participation of general public in large scale to prepare plan, support of district in-charge minister, MLAs, mayor and councillors is appreciable. We will start implementation of various projects from now to make Belagavi a modern city”, said BCC commissioner G Prabhu.
Speaking to the TOI, DC N Jayaram expressed delight over selection of Belagavi to Smart City project. He said it will help to boost economic activities in the city and also help surrounding rural areas indirectly. He said the project will be undertaken according to central government guidelines by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a committee headed by full time CEO.
Venkatesh Sarnobat, president of Belgaum Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) said selection of city to Smart City project is not just happy news for general public but industrial fraternity too, as infrastructure development of the city is linked with industrial growth also. However, question remains how fast project is implemented.