Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jul 10: The 'Smart City' project, which is aimed at developing 100 cities of the country, is limping in the state. The progress of this is further hampered by the oncoming parliamentary elections, which are due to be held in the next six to seven months.

Though the grant regarding this project is released and necessary instructions are given, it is really sad to note that the funds are not utilized for the implementation of the project.

Seven cities of the state have been selected in three phases to be developed as smart cities in the state of Karnataka. Out of this, excepting Bengaluru, for the other six cities, a grand of Rs 1656 crores has been released. Out of this Rs 40 to 50 crores is spent on building the office, preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR), the formation of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for companies created by the state and municipal bodies to expedite the process of development and other basic infrastructure. However, it is surprising that not a rupee is spent on the implementation of the project.

How is the smart city project implemented?

All the process related to the implementation of this project will be under the authority of SPVs. This team of SPV will consist of 15 members including six officers from the city corporation, six officers of the level of state government secretary, two independent and one officer nominated by the central government. The work related to projects below the estimated cost of Rs 10 crore is approved at the managing director level itself. For tenders that cost above Rs 10 crore but below Rs 50 crore, approval has to be taken from the administrative committee. If the tenders are of Rs 200 crore, then the approval is done by the high ranking committee, which is led by the chief secretary. Only if the tender is above Rs 200 crore, then the approval of the cabinet of ministers is required.

The former state government, led by Siddaramaiah, had taken a considerable amount of time in forming the basic setup. It is learnt from reliable sources in the urban development department that the attitude of a certain minister in the then government is the reason for this delay.

In 2015 Davanagere and Belagavi were selected for this project. In the year 2016, Tumkur, Shivamogga, Hubli-Dharwad and Mangaluru were added to the list. Bengaluru got into the list in 2017. The concerned officials have clarified that except Bengaluru, for the other six cities tender process amounting to Rs 1100 crores are in different stages of approval.

When the smart city project is about to get implemented, it will be time for the general elections. If there is change in the reign of government in the center, the 'Smart City' project might meet the same fate as some other projects in the past. However, the officials of the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) are confident that this project may not face any issues as the period of the project is of five years.

Mangaluru city

How will the smart city be like?

Smart city means providing pure drinking water, maintaining cleanliness, efficient way of handling waste, environment-friendly transport and giving stress to E-administration. It will provide services to the public in an easy manner. It will provide the needs of the people by using the latest technology. Central government has already declared that it is going to spend Rs 48,000 crore for the development of 100 smart cities. The state government has to shell out 50% of the cost of the project.

Excepting Bengaluru, for the other six cities that are selected, state and the central governments will provide Rs 1000 crore over a period of five years at the rate of Rs 200 crore per year. The remaining amount that is required to complete the project has to be gathered from private participation.

"Smart city project does not work like a government department. The project of Rs 100 crores is being implemented in different phases. This problem is not limited to the state of Karnataka alone. Davanagere is in the ninth position when it comes to implementation of the project," said, Ibrahim, managing director of KUIDFC.

G M Siddeshwara, MP from Davanagere says, "There should be enthusiasm to implement the project. The unwillingness of the state government in implementing the project is evident in the state of Karnataka. Pressure will be put on the new coalition government. Government and district administration have to cooperate."