Madurai must become a smart and modern city without losing its old cultural heritage, said Pinaki Misra, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban Development, here on Friday.
Speaking to the media during a study visit of the committee to the city, he said that the city, which held significant historical, cultural, and religious importance, was doing well to become a modern city with the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) project of the Central government.
When asked why majority of the work under the SCM was yet to be done in Madurai, he said that SCM was an ambitious scheme that required an interface between the government and various other stakeholders. “Madurai was chosen for the project only in the second round. We have visited many cities that have made less progress despite being chosen in the first round. Considering that, Madurai has actually made very significant progress,” he said.
Mr. Misra also expressed satisfaction with the implementation of various Central government schemes in Madurai city and in the district.
A presentation was made by the district administration to the Committee during a meeting.
Madurai MP R. Gopalakrishnan, who is a member of the Committee, Madurai Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao, and Corporation Commissioner S. Aneesh Sekhar were present at the meeting along with other many members of the Committee.
