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Davanagere Deputy Commissioner
ST Anjan Kumar tells Anil Urs of the city’s plans and the challenges. Excerpts from the interview:
What tops your list of smart city proposals?
In the absence of greenfield development options, we have pan-city proposals for ICT and e-governance. We are also focussing on rejuvenation, redevelopment and retrofit. We’re also going for an area-based replicable rejuvenation programme, which includes solid waste management, an underground utility corridor and an underground drainage system. Finally, we look at economic rejuvenation of the Pete area and the preservation of the city’s heritage.
How do you plan to involve the private sector?
Under the smart city initiatives, there are three or four commercial activities — such as the development of the Mandakki Bhatti area, where there are nearly 1,000 units. We are also planning the development of commercial complexes in the Pete or market area. Third, we are looking at developing the old bus stand under the PPP model. We also plan to create multi-level car parking facilities in major commercial areas.
What challenges do you face?
The city is divided in half by a railway line. One half is well off, but the other half not so much. The city has nearly 40 slums, both recognised and new ones which have come up recently. We have to assure them that their livelihood will not be disturbed by the Smart City Project, which we pledge will be people-centric.
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