The Urban Development Minister, BS ‘Bairati’ Suresh, has taken decisive action by ordering a comprehensive investigation into six Smart City projects across Karnataka, including Belagavi. This move comes in response to growing concerns regarding the quality and direction of these initiatives.
In a recent review meeting, Minister Suresh closely examined the progress of Smart City projects in Belagavi, Davangere, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Tumkur. He expressed disappointment over the disproportionate allocation of funds towards temporary infrastructure projects like roads, drainage, and repairs, rather than investing in long-lasting assets such as smart schools, hospitals, and libraries.
To address these issues, Minister Suresh directed the Urban Development Department Secretary to establish a committee consisting of independent experts. This committee, which includes officials from various departments, technical experts, and representatives from universities and the Indian Institute of Science, has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation of the projects and submitting a detailed report within three months.
Minister Suresh emphasized the importance of prioritizing permanent assets, particularly smart schools that utilize advanced technology to support underprivileged children. He also issued a stern warning against any further shortcomings, citing dissatisfaction expressed by local representatives in Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Shivamogga.
The Smart City initiative, designed to promote sustainable and technology-driven urban development, is scheduled to conclude by March 2025. The outcomes of this investigation will be crucial in evaluating the success of these projects and identifying areas for enhancement.