Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network –Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Sep 20: People’s representatives have expressed happiness on the occasion of Mangaluru becoming a Smart City. The union government on Tuesday, September 20, announce the second list of smart cities where the name of Mangaluru appears.

Mangaluru City Corporation Mayor Harinath expressed happiness over Mangaluru being chosen for the smart city project.

Addressing a press meet here at MCC on Tuesday, September 20, Harinath said, “I thank the Prime Minister, chief minister of the state, MLAs, MPs, district in-charge minister and all the officials for their efforts and support for city in being chosen as smart city.”

“We have already taken many steps to make Mangaluru smart. We have implemented programs to make Mangaluru plastic free, priority has been given to maintain cleanliness thereby make a healthy city. Public toilets are being renovated and cleanliness is being maintained. I urge the support of all the officials to develop Mangaluru as one of the best cities in the country. Steps are also being taken to make sure that there is no water problem in future.”

Speaking on the occasion, MCC commissioner Nazeer said, “We have been chosen for the smart city project in the second phase. We had given a proposal of Rs 2000 crore which included development of old port, water front, markets, district hospitals and solar farm on island facing Bunder. The next step would be forming a special purpose committee there after the project would be implemented. We are planning to construct two E-toilets, one at Lalbagh and another at Kadri or Nanthoor.”

Opposition leader Roopa Bangera and others were present.

Speaking to Daijiworld.com Mangaluru south MLA J R Lobo said "I would like to thank all the people’s representatives from state and centre, people of Mangaluru and officials who have extended their support and made this possible. I am extremely happy that our city has been chosen for smart city project. I am sure that this will help in developing infrastructure in the city while more investors will invest in the city. Industries like IT, tourism and other traditional industries will flourish and grow. With the help of overall development, the youth will remain and get employment in the city."

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said "I thank PM Narendra Modi and union minister Venkaiah Naidu. As promised by Naidu Mangaluru has been chosen for smart city project in this list. I congratulate the MLA and all leaders for their support and efforts in bringing this project. People of Mangaluru have been blessing BJP in parliament for the past 20 years and now BJP has given a gift Mangaluru."