Modi launches Smart City projects across country from Pune

BJP’s ally Shiv Sena and other political parties in Pune on Saturday boycotted the event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his government’s flagship “Smart City mission” in 20 cities. He stressed on increased public participation in deciding the course of development of smart cities and called for intense competition among cities to develop them as modern centres of growth. “Suggestions and designs suggested by the citizens will be duly incorporated by respective smart cities”, the release said. “If the manpower of 1.25 billion people is utilised for the country’s development, the country will not require any government”, Modi said. As the second and the third phase of Centre’s project will gradually would require some time, the state plans to evolve its own model for smart cities. “Once their skills are harnessed then see the wonders that will happen”. He also conveyed the importance of decentralizing power so that people have a say in the development of their urban spaces, adding that these decisions can not be taken in Delhi. These decisions can not be taken in Delhi, Modi added. Let us consider urbanisation as an opportunity.

The Prime Minister flagged off 14 projects in the city, while laying emphasis on the need to focus on solid waste management. “This brings to an end the adhoc and project-based approach to urban development followed so far”, a ministry spokesperson said. The government had included 13 more cities in the first phase in May.

The Smart Net Portal enables the cities under different urban missions to share ideas and source solutions for various issues during the implementation of various missions.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje earlier thanked the Prime Minister for selecting four cities- Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer and Kota from the state for the Smart City Mission.

The programme will be attended by M. Venkaiah Naidu.

Mr. Modi also inaugurated “Make Your City SMART” contest, aimed at involving citizens in designing smart cities. “Urban India’s quest for smart living takes first steps today with the launch of smart city projects by PM from Pune”.

One year has passed to the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched his vision to create smart cities across India.