BCCI, EBTC mull smart city pilot project in Haldia

KOLKATA: The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( BCCI) and European Business and Technology Centre ( EBTC) are planning to initiate a pilot project to demonstrate smart city concept at the industrial township of Haldia in West Bengal.

The project holds significance as industries in Haldia will be able to expand without environment related hurdles which it currently faces.

"We are planning to implement a pilot project to showcase smart city concepts in lowering carbon footprint. We have decided to carry out a feasibility study in Haldia," EBTC Director Poul V Jenson said.

He said in order to address specific Indian issues, EBTC had signed a memorandum of cooperation with Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster, a body of over 200 government and private technology companies and research organisations.

EBTC regional manager Suman Lahiri said the estimated investment in the pilot project could be around 10 million euros.

BCCI Energy and Environment sub-committee Chairman Arun Mukherjee said, "We have decided Haldia for pilot project because the pollution index of Pollution Control Board was close to 70.

"Industries have to face restrictions to expand if the pollution index is 70 and thus we are trying to target an industrial town where concrete benefits can be showcased".

State urban development minister Firhad Hakim has said government has welcomed the move.