Mishra gives update on Smart Cities

Projects over Rs.162,000 crores have been tendered under the Smart Cities Mission while work orders have been issued for around Rs.120,000 crores, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said on 22 Jan 2020.

More than Rs.25,000 crores of projects have been completed, said the Ministry which is holding the 3rd Apex Conference of the Smart Cities is 24-25 Jan 2020 at Andhra University Convention Center in Visakhapatnam.

Since, the 1st Apex Conference, the Mission has seen tremendous progress in the implementation of projects by the Smart Cities.
Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, has informed that there has been a growth of 224% in the number of projects tendered, a growth of 300% in the projects grounded and 421% growth in the number of projects completed.

The 1st Apex Conference was held Bhopal 7-8 May 2018 with Rs.50,000 crore of projects tendered and Rs.30,000 crore grounded.

2nd Apex Conference was held in New Delhi 26-27 February 2019 with Rs.122,000 crore of projects tendered and Rs.75,000 crore grounded.

3rd Apex Conference at Visakhapatnam on 24-25 Jan 2020 will have Rs.162,000 crore tendered and Rs.120,000 crore grounded.

As implementation of Smart Cities Mission is only possible through a strong coordination between Municipal Administration, State Governments and the Central Government, Principal Secretaries (Urban Development). State Mission Directors along with Municipal Commissioners and CEOs of Smart Cities, representatives of Bilateral and Multilateral Institutions and other key stakeholders have been invited to attend the Event.

The conference will have a large gathering from all over the country participating in the conference.

During the Conference, Smart Cities Awards will be distributed amongst the Smart Cities under 7 urban themes, Innovative Ideas, Round-wise Recognition of Cities and Overall City Award.

The Outcomes of Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework, Data Maturity Assessment Framework will also be presented to the participants followed by presentations on Ease of Living and Municipal Performance Index.

With regard to the way forward, States and Cities will present key ideas for better implementation of the Mission going forward. The Award-Winning Cities will share their perspectives with regard to “What makes them Best?”, their Best Practices and HR Management and the details of citizen- engagement and communication strategies adopted by them will also be shared with the participants.

On 25 January 2020, Site visits will be carried out by CEOs of few Smart Cities to the projects of Vishakhapatnam Smart City and in the Wrap Session, presentations will be made by CEOs of select Smart Cities.

SMART CITIES MISSION IMPACT

Development initiatives under the Mission have catalyzed business in several sectors such as ICT solutions, mobility, water and waste management, energy and environment etc.

100 Integrated Command and Control Centres will augment public safety with 50,000 cameras, of which more than 12,000 linked with 45 ICCCs already installed/operational.

More than 32,000 km of fibre optic cable laid to improve delivery of services to citizens.

More than 40,000 cycle trips per day already being generated for enhanced use of bikes/cycles as mode for public transport, promotion of environment-friendly non-motorized transport, and improved last mile connectivity.

19,000 KW of solar and 15,000KW of wind energy generation capacity has already been installed resulting in reduced GHG emission and dependence on fossil fuel.

Waste Processing Plants with capacity of nearly 650 TPD has been completed under the Mission.

More than 700 Smart Classrooms across various Smart Cities have been implemented to provide improved education to students.

84,000 metres of Smart Streets completed for improved safety through better walking and crossing facilities for pedestrians.

More than 100 open air gyms have been installed in various cities across the country to improve the health and fitness of citizens. fiinews.com