Pralhad Joshi, MP, has expressed reservations over the delay in implementing the smart city project in the city and directed the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) commissioner, Siddalingaiah Hiremath, to take steps to commence works immediately.
Chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DDCMC)- Disha meeting here on Wednesday, Mr. Joshi said that the Centre has given approval for the project in April, 2017. However, the project is still in the primary stage as only ₹4.47 crore has been spent so far.
Hubballi-Dharwad is far behind in implementing the smart city project when compared with Mangaluru and other cities, he said and asked the HDMC commissioner how much time will be taken to implement the project.
Mr. Joshi said the officials concerned should work more vigorously to implement the smart city project sanctioned by the Union government.
Earlier, Mr. Hiremath made a presentation on the smart city project and said that the project includes works to develop major roads of the city, construction of multi-storey parking complex, improvement of M.G. Market and Janata Bazar, upgradation of the industrial complex, skill development centre, construction of city centre plaza, housing for the poor slum dwellers, development of Tolanakere tank, canals and parks.
Besides, LED street lights, solid waste management, development of Nehri stadium and other works will also be take up under the project.
An action plan has been finalised and the works will be commenced shortly, he added.
Mr. Joshi said HDMC officials have been talking about implementing a scheme for door-to-door collection of waste but nothing has materialised so far.
Expressing concern over the disposal of waste, he said it is better to install CCTV cameras in association with the Police department at the waste disposal locations.
There are provisions to receive funds for this project from the Centre under the Nirbhaya project, he said.
