Smart City: Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khanday discusses proposals for Jammu, Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khanday today discussed the proposals submitted by Municipal Corporations of Srinagar and Jammu for developing these two cities as 'Smart Cities'.

Khanday chaired a meeting of the State Level High Power Steering Committee (HPSC) for the implementation of Smart City Mission in the state here in this regard, an official spokesman said.

The Smart City Mission was recently launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi under which the Union Government shall extend Rs 100-crore support each for the 100 select cities.

The funds will be provided to improve the urban infrastructure and to introduce smart solutions in various walks of urban governance including e-governance and citizen services, waste, water and energy management and urban mobility.

Jammu and Kashmir has the distinction of being the only State in the country having two Capitals - Srinagar and Jammu, both of which fulfill the broad contours of the project, the spokesman said.

He said the twin cities together not only accommodate more than 50 per cent of the urban population of the State but also absorb huge floating population which visits the State for tourism and pilgrimage.

The State Government shall be sending the proposals to the Union Government shortly for its final approval, he added.