Carrying forward the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rajasthan government initiated the Smart City project under center’s smart city mission last year. Better roads, spick and span surroundings, quality education, improved lifestyle, employment, and internet connectivity: all these factors collectively define the ‘smartness’ of the cities in Rajasthan. The ruling BJP government at the center and the state intended to incorporate all these qualities in Indian villages—a perfect way to ensure better standards of living in rural regions. Knowing that 2018 Rajasthan assembly elections are just around the corner, the government is planning to wrap this project on time.
Taking a solid step in this direction the UDH (Urban Development and Housing) minister Mr. Srichand Kriplani set a strict deadline for state officers working on the smart city mission. He instructed the officers to complete this project before enforcement of model code of conduct ahead of upcoming Rajasthan assembly elections. Eptisa Servicious De Inginieria S.L., a Spanish company is responsible for managing Jaipur smart city project.
The instructions were laid down by the minister at the ‘inauguration and stone laying ceremony’ held in Jaipur. The minister inaugurated 12 new developmental projects under the smart city mission. Kriplani took this opportunity to inaugurate 100 KV solar rooftop plants at Rajasthan School of Art and Chaughan Stadium. He also flagged off 100 brand new low-floor buses.
Also Read: Jaipur Smart Mission Will Give A Dapper Look To Old Pink City
Kriplani discussed the latest developments that are likely to occur in Jaipur soon. He announced the construction of:
- 50 smart toilets (worth Rs 4 crores) that will be maintained by a private firm for next 5 years)
- 15 smart classrooms in government schools located in the walled city (Proposed Budget: Rs 90 lakh)
- Waste-to-energy project for reducing and recycling waste materials. A new energy plant (with the average capacity of 7.5MW) worth Rs 182 crores will be set up in the city
- Public bicycle sharing project involving bicycle docking stations at top 20 tourist destinations all over the state
Perturbed by the sudden change in plans, the civic body officials complained about the ‘unrealistic deadline’. Nevertheless, Kriplani was adamant to finish this project before the scheduled deadline.
Meanwhile, an agitated opposition allegedly organized a massive ‘dharna’ outside the smart city office in an attempt to disrupt the government congregation. The police had to fend off the councilors forcefully from the location. They were detained in Jyoti Nagar for creating commotion in the public.
