By: G. Srinivasa Rao
The citizens of Warangal can hope for better facilities as the Central government shortlisted it under the ‘Smart City’ programme.
The programme enables the city to secure funds from the Central Government in strengthening and extension of existing services and infrastructure in Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet – tri-cities.
Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA) Chief Planning Officer K Ajith Reddy said the Central Government desires to accord top priority to e-governance, transparent and quick response pertaining to all citizen services, waste management, and financial health of local bodies among others.
“In the next phase, the Central Government will identify consultants who will come and prepare a detailed project report on ‘City Challenges’. Only after that, we will come to know what exactly the programme envisages for Warangal,” Mr Ajit Reddy explained.
The existing Warangal Municipal Corporation was converted into Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation by merging the surrounding villages. The municipal corporation jurisdiction has about eight lakh population with lot of challenges pertaining to insufficient road network, inadequate dumping yards and unsatisfactory financial condition of corporation. However, total computerisation of municipal services, clean city drive, improved sanitation and such other initiatives helped the city secure a place in the ‘Smart Cities’ programme.
While the corporation limit is spread over 471 square kilometres, the jurisdiction of KUDA extends to 1,805 kilometres. Mr Ajit Reddy opined that the fund flow under the Smart City programme would help the corporation strengthen the existing drinking water supply and drainage system, extend and improve its sanitation wing, offer transparent citizen services without any time lapse.
According to him, the funds under the Heritage City programme enable preserve heritage monuments. “This programme helps beautify the city which is underway,” he added.
Source: The Hindu