Smart City plan not limited to 6-7 wards: Narayanappa

• Interview with the new MD of Mangaluru Smart City project

Mangaluru: Though it’s been two years since the Mangaluru Smart City project was initiated, yet no radical project has been implemented, is the allegation being heard universally here. Also there is an objection that though there are 60 wards in the city, the Smart City project is only getting implemented in the surroundings of State Bank, namely the 6-7 wards. Amidst this, when there is an accusation that no full time Managing Director has been appointed for the implementation of the Smart City project similar to the cities of the state, now a new full time Managing director has been appointed for the Mangauru Smart City project who recently accepted his new charge and the ex-commissioner of Bellary Corporation Narayanappa has a special interaction with Dinesh Ira of Udayavani. Interview translated into English by Aaron Dmello.

Though 2 years have passed since the announcement of Mangaluru Smart City, no radical progress ahs been seen?

Normally, when a plan is being implemented, various types of doubts and questions arise in the minds of the locals. A process needs to be conducted to win over the people’s faith. All that does not happen instantly. In the primary stages, it is a challenge for the government to even fuse departments through innovation. Therefore, bearing all these calculations in the mind and from the point of view on the future of the city, the smart city project has been started here with utmost care. Already 10 important plans have been started. In the future, the projects will be implemented in a complete manner and with a prescribed time.

If so, how will you be increasing the pace of the implementation of the Smart City plan?

In comparison to the other smart city projects in the state, Mangaluru Smart City concept is very beautiful. Considering the condition of the present development, the implanted style is great. Hence the complete implantation of the proposed plans will be put into action with the cooperation of all the departments’ and with the faith of the people. Also, if there is need to implement any other new concepts, importance will be given for its fulfillment.

How much is the total grant that has come for till now for Mangaluru Smart City project?

Totally Rs 214 crore has been sanctioned for Mangaluru Smart City plan. Half of the grant is from the centre and the rest half is from the state governments. Within a week of the release of the amount by the central government, the state government releases its amount.

When there are 60 wards, is it justified to conduct smart city’s area based development only in 6-7 wards?

The present development that has been taken under the smart city project at 6-7 wards is considered in the model of a pilot project. Meaning to say, the corporation has considered only one part. In a few years, after the implementation of the smart project in these wards up to our expectation, the implementation of the smart city project in other wards will be considered. Therefore, it is not limited only to the 6-7 wards.

That means, for now the work will be taken up only in 6-7 wards?

Nothing like that. The most important works to bring a change in the smart form in the other parts of the city will placed before the SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) meeting and will be given permission. Pumpwell Bus Stand, Smart Bus Shelter and WiFi facility will also be done at other parts of the city.

Temporary market: Corporation’s solution

The issue on the creation of a temporary market for the traders of the Central Market which is been upgraded to a Smart Central Market is in a mess. What will be your actions as a solution for such problems?

Such issues are importantly resolved by the corporation. In the backdrop of Mangaluru City Corporation holding a special position and respect in consideration of development, they will resolve the issue as a responsible institution. In terms of complete development, it is necessary that the public join hands with the administrative system.