Chandrashekhar Bawankule feels Nagpur can be among top 10 smart cities

NAGPUR: People's participation can place Nagpur among top 10 Smart Cities in the world, according to Delivering Change Foundation (DCF) Managing Director Abhijeet Pawar.

Speaking at a programme on 'Nagpur Smart City' organised by 'Sakal' here yesterday, Pawar who is also Managing Director of the Marathi daily said under a Smart City people need good roads, better quality of life, smart solutions to their problems and hassle-free life.

Nagpur District Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also endorsed Pawar's view and said that there will be no funds crunch to achieve this goal.

Pawar said Nagpur can be developed as a smart city on the lines of those in Israel, Germany and many other countries.

City Mayor Pravin Datke and Municipal Commissioner, Shravan Hardikar were also present on the occasion.

Bawankule said both Central and State Governments are taking several steps to make Nagpur a Smart city.

Union Minister for Shipping and Transport, Nitin Gadkari has assured funds to the tune of Rs 7,000 crore for the overall infrastructure development of the city particularly laying a road network while state Government is planning to develop with the help of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), he said.

Bawankule said the slums needed to be developed on par with post localities like Dharampeth and Shivaj Nagar.

The Government will give more emphasis on skill development to create best human resources. The Central Jail which occupies a huge portion of land in the heart of city will be shifted to a far off place.

The huge land bank of all the Central and State Governments offices will be put to optimum use and idle land will be taken back for smart city project, he added.

"We will make Nagpur as safe, pollution free city. Mayor Pravin Datke said the two development agencies are creating problem in the development of the city. There are conflict of interests between both the agencies."

He said Nagpur should be livable, sustainable and affordable for citizens.

Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar said public opinion is necessary for smart city project as we want to know their sentiments and suggestions regarding this project.

Hadikar said in the first phase, a team of dedicated volunteers are seeking suggestions from the citizens under this project. We have to think about cultural, economical, social growth of the city.

Pawar said under smart city project we have to ensure that Nagpur exponentially grows economically.