********
The city Corporation has finalised the contours of the Core City Area which has been selected for the area-specific development as part of the city Corporation’s Smart City proposal to be submitted to the Central Government. As per the presentation made by the Bengaluru-based Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Limited (iDeCK), the consultant for the preparation of the proposal, the area will consist of Chala, Thampanoor, Fort, Vazhuthacaud, Thycaud, Valiyasala and Palayam.
The consultancy presented the preliminary plans for the proposal to the technical committee in the presence of the Mayor V.K.Prasanth on Monday. The developmental activities will be aimed at improving the basic infrastructure in these areas and to ensure sustainable development. The focus areas will be waste management, walkways without obstructions, improved traffic arrangements, parking facilities and cycling pathways. Technology will be leveraged for decentralised waste management activities.
The roads and walkways will be made differently-abled friendly. The proposal will also explore the feasibility of non-conventional sources of energy. Solar plants and rainwater harvesting facilities will be promoted in Government offices as well as residential areas. Projects will also be planned for the improvement of drinking water distribution, transportation, safety systems and e-governance.
The Core City Area had also garnered the most number of votes from the public, in the opinion polls held across the hundred wards of the Corporation last week. One of the reasons cited for the selection of the area was that the development of the common area will be useful for all the residents. Also, there are more chances of an increase in the local body’s revenue if this area is developed.
iDeCK, the consultancy, suggested that all the types of projects including retrofitting, redevelopment, housing projects for the poor and projects for women and the differently-abled are feasible in the area. A total of Rs.1000 crores is available for the smart city project, out of which the Centre provides Rs.500 crores and the local body and the State Government pitches in with an equal amount.
The deadline for submission of the Smart City proposal to the Central Government is March 25. The proposal will be marked out of 100, out of which 30 marks will be for the reach of the Corporation’s campaign among the people.
eom
