Hi-tech World Bank-sponsored water scheme for Belagavi

Belagavi: The implementation of the World Bank-sponsored 24/7 drinking water supply scheme with Smart Metering and E-Billing will be taken up as the first project under the Smart City scheme in Belagavi, followed by a drainage improvement project that includes ensuring 100 per cent individual toilets and 150 public toilets in Belagavi.

Disclosing the City Corporation's plan of action for implementation of the first few projects under Smart City Project, City Corporation Commissioner G. Prabhu said on Friday that already, preliminary work on the 24/7 water supply project has been taken up. Additional water for the project would be drawn from Hidkal reservoir covering the entire city under the project.

Besides implementing an effective drainage system, projects for sewage treatment and reuse of treated drain water would also be taken up. An effective solid waste management process would also be taken up subsequently that includes collection of waste door-to-door and separation of solid waste before treating it.

The other major works planned in the first phase include construction of four railway underbridges, three overbridges, subways, improvement of traffic junctions, improvement of all city roads, multi-level parking for vehicles, e-security of citizens and traffic management. For more than two decades, the work on railway bridges was pending due to the Centre's failure to clear the project.

The Corporation will also develop a 407-km path for movement of bicycles and 702 km of footpaths in another major project in the first phase. A Smart Traffic Facility and eight satellite bus shelters would come up soon.

Addressing a meeting on the subject, district minister Satish Jarkiholi said most of the works planned in the first phase would be implemented before the deadline set for them.

Shivamogga not so lucky
Shivamogga did not make it to the first list of 20 cities under the Smart Cities Mission though there were high hopes.

In fact, Shivamogga scored 54.84 percent marks and secured 26th place among the 97 cities vying for a place in the list. If it had secured 55.47 percent marks, it would have been selected in the first phase itself, sources said, adding that they were sure it would be selected in the second phase. People here now want a comprehensive report to be prepared to ensure the city makes it to the second list.

City Corporation Commissioner A.R. Ravi said, “Going by the proposals we submitted, Shivamogga should have been selected in the first phase. It had secured 26th rank and will definitely make it in the second phase. A comprehensive report would be submitted to the Centre in this regard.”