Principal Secretary to the Urban Development Department P N Srinivasachary said it has become difficult to generate funds required for infrastructure projects in urban areas of the State.
At the inaugural function of a workshop on ‘Cities of the Future: Smart and Sustainable’ on Thursday, he said, “According to our recent estimates, we need at least `80,000 crore to provide necessary infrastructure in urban areas of the State in the next five years. However, we can generate only `30,000 crore in this period”. The department has approached the Union government and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funds.
“We are planning to take up work on the peripheral ring road at a cost of `1,800 crore with assistance from JICA,” Srinivasachary said.
‘Demand for Water Unmet’
Srinivasachary said governments were finding it difficult to supply water in accordance with standards set by the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO).
As per CPHEEO standards, at least 150 litres per capita per day (LPCD) of water should be supplied in metropolitan cities, 100 LPCD in towns and municipalities and 70 LPCD in rural areas. “In most parts of the country, the governments are unable to meet demand due to various reasons”, he added. Former chief secretary Dr A Ravindra said the task at hand was to mobilise technology, talent and capital to improve the quality of life.
“The Centre for Sustainable Development has joined hands with Smart Cities Council, USA, to design solutions suited to the Indian context”, he said.
Brigade Group Director Jaishankar said the government should establish the Bangalore Metropolitan Council for Coordination at the earliest.