PUDUCHERRY: Puducherry government has opted for Green-field development ( a new township) at Karasur – Sedarapet as a smart city , along with two Pan city initiatives of city surveillance and public safety and Smart solid waste management in Oulgaret Municipality areas. A concept note to this effect at an outlay of Rs 5661 crores has been submitted by Puducherry government to the Ministry of Urban Development (MUD) today, before the deadline ends on December 15. This will entitle Puducherry to compete for crucial city challenge round for selection among the top 20 cities , which the Ministry will approve for implementation of the Smart city project in the current financial year.
The decision was taken following 43 percent of citizens preferring comprehensive development of a Green field smart city though a polling. While 34 percent preferred retrofitting, 22 percent wanted redevelopment . Since MUD has given only one choice to the state governments among the three options, Puducherry has opted for a new township . The smart city proposal prepared by Mahindra Consulting Engineers is planned for development of a vibrant, enduring, green economic and inclusive growth city with good governance using smart applications.
Around 880 acre site available with the government within planning Puducherry Area has been projected for Smart city development at an outlay of around 5611 crores , according to official information. The site is having good access to National Highway connecting Chennai and State Highway connecting Tindivanam. . The entire stretch of land is contiguous government land which has Good potential to attract the future population and investments, as per the draft report available in the government website.
Adequate water supply, Robust IT connectivity and digitalization – Enhanced Assured connectivity through private sector , Good governance, especially e-governance and citizen participation, electricity supply , Sanitation including solid waste management, Sustainable environment –Water body restoration, Ground water monitoring, Air quality monitoring, leachate management, effluent discharge monitoring , Efficient urban mobility and public transport, Safety and security – CCTV surveillance, Housing– 15 percent affordable, Health and education has been planned .
The Smart city proposal has been formulated ensuring convergence of AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission, Digital India , Safe city project, Integrated power development scheme, solar Mission and other government of India schemes. The proposal has also factored in the interest shown by Agence Francaise de development (AFD) of French government for partnering the Puducherry smart city development.