Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 20: The state government has made preparations to develop a number of cities and towns in the state under the ambitious 'Smart City' scheme of the central government. It has already sent proposals to the central government to develop these places under three categories of this scheme.

Under Smart City scheme, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, and Hubballi-Dharwad, Mysuru, Belagavi, and Davangere are proposed to be developed as smart cities. Ramanagara, Tumakuru, and Devanahalli are proposed to be developed as satellite towns. Udupi, Hosapete in Ballari district, and Vijayapura have been recommended for being groomed as heritage cities.

Urban development minister Vinay Kumar Sorake gave the above details in a press conference held here on Wednesday November 19. He said that the state government is in preparedness to implement the above scheme as soon as the central government decides to give its nod for these proposals. Sorake said that there is provision to develop satellite towns for cities having population of over 50 lac. As Bengaluru has a population of over 90 lac, the state proposes to develop three satellite towns, he narrated.

Sorake said that eight cities having population of five to ten lac in the state are eligible for being considered under the above scheme. He said that the state recommended only the above towns, as at present, only 100 smart cities are being taken up for development.

Sorake explained that the central government has already held consultations over the scheme with urban development ministers of all the states and officials. However, as preparations have not yet been completed, and only Rs 750 crore has been set aside under the scheme, he expressed doubts about the scheme getting implemented during the current fiscal. He however, said that Karnataka is in readiness to implement the scheme.