The State intends to execute the Smart City Mission through public private partnership (PPP) mode, with 24×7 water and power supply and hundred percent sewerage connectivity to the people.
Government is also looking at providing smart transport facility to the city by introducing smart and people-friendly buses, smart bus stops, smart ticketing concept along with developing a parking lot at the periphery of the city thereby reducing traffic congestion. The parking lot could be connected with special smart city buses to ferry commuters around the city.
A State-Level Committee headed by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has been constituted to execute the Smart City Mission of the Narendra Modi government, which has identified 100 potential cities across the country.
Speaking to Herald, Principal Secretary Urban Development R K Srivastava said that government efforts are focused on improving the quality of life of residents and visitors by enabling greater efficiency in public transport, safety and security services and more. “Panjim city is definitely poised to be a Smart City,” he said.
Srivastava, holding additional charge as Chief Secretary, said that under the Smart City Mission, government would be basically upgrading the existing infrastructure, making the city look smart. “We would ensure that every facility that we provide to our citizens is made hassle free and just at a click of a button – either through e-governance or mobile platform,” he emphasized.
“We intend to execute the Smart City Mission through PPP. Union government would provide initial funding of Rs one crore for preparing detailed plan report. The execution of Smart City concept requires major finance and that could be done through private players,” he added.
Highlighting some aspects of the plan, Srivastava said that Panjim lacks 100 percent sewerage coverage and so also 24×7 water supply. “We would like to cover this aspect. But at the same time, it would be the duty of citizens to ensure that there is proper disposal of waste and no wastage of water,” he said.
“When we aim to provide the best and quality infrastructure to citizens we also expect a similar response from them,” he appealed.
The principal secretary said the Union government has already shortlisted consultants for preparing the DPR, which would be drafted in consultation with the Corporation of the City of Panaji. He said the mission would also include the ongoing developmental projects of the city.
In the first phase, only 20 cities will be sanctioned funds for the DPR.
