Warangal turns smarter

Warangal: Warangal, which has already made it to the Central government’s HRIDAY scheme as one of the heritage cities of the country has entered the list of cities that are to be developed under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme. It will be launched on Thursday at New Delhi. Even though the guidelines and benefits of the scheme will be declared only after the official launching of the scheme, collector Vakati Karuna said that with this scheme, the Central government is working towards providing better facilities for the people of Warangal.

She confirmed that along with Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed she will be attending the inaugural function of the scheme in New Delhi. It will be officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu.

After Telangana, Chief Minister K. Chandra-shekar Rao focussed on Warangal promising to build houses for the slum dwellers. Inclusion of Warangal in the list of heritage cities and according Warangal municipality with a greater status, Warangal is qualified to get benefits under this scheme. During the UPA rule, Warangal failed to qualify for the JNNURM scheme introduced at that time for the same purpose.

According to the AMRUT scheme, Warangal will receive '100 crore in the next five years from the Central government for various development activities. The primary focus is believed to be water supply, sewerage, proper drainage, greenery around the city and modernisation of parks and development of children’s parks.

The mission to recast the urban landscape would entail giving the poor access to the towns through increased access to urban spaces and enhanced employment opportunities.