Smart City: Protest over delay in starting works

BELAGAVI: Social activists, led by Rajeev Topannavar, on Monday protested the delay in taking up works under the Smart City project by the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC). "The other 19 cities, which were selected along with Belagavi in the first phase, have already appointed consulting agencies and started the works. But in Belagavi, neither the consulting agency is appointed nor have the works started. At least the BCC should have taken up small works which do not call for nod from the consulting agency," Rajeev said.
All that the district administration has done so far is appointment of directors of the Belagavi Smart City Limited. But the chief executive officer, accounts officer, secretary, technical and other staff are yet to be appointed. The public advisory committee has also not been formed, he said.
BCC commissioner Kurer said the works will start soon.