PUNE: The works expedited during the Unlock period helped the city secure the top position among eight contingents in the state for the implementation of various projects under the Smart Cities Mission, Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL) officials claimed.
The PSCDCL officials stated that over Rs900 crore had been allocated for as many as 33 projects under the initiative. Most of the upcoming developments are for the Aundh-Baner-Balewadi area, earmarked for the Smart City initiative. Besides, some pan-city projects such as the development of junctions and smart assistance in implementing 24X7 water supply were also being undertaken, the officials said.
“The works progressing at a slow pace during the lockdown period have gained momentum in the last few months. We have issued the work orders for most of the proposals. We are also setting up a mechanism to monitor the progress of every project. The PSCDCL is also conducting meetings of the board of members at regular intervals. The pan-city works are being executed in coordination with the Pune Municipal Corporation,” PSCDCL chief executive officer Sanjay Kolte said.
The neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad jumped to the second position from the earlier fourth spot.
The civic activists and residents stated that securing a good rank was not enough. Vivek Velankar of the Sajag Nagrik Manch said the Smart City projects lacked consistency and should be implemented with better planning.