The Andhra Pradesh Government and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation are planning a series of initiatives to improve the civic infrastructure, and also, deck up the city ahead of the mega global Biodiversity Summit to be held at Hyderabad in October.

The Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, has directed the officials of the municipal corporation to take up development works at an outlay of about Rs 577.35 crore for creating world-class infrastructure for the event, where heads of State and ministerial delegations from over 193 countries are expected to participate.

As a part of infrastructure improvement, it is proposed to recarpet roads, improve drainage system and pavements, creating new signage in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India and Roads and Buildings Department of the State.

The Government has finalised tenders for a modernisation project of traffic signals with an outlay of Rs 65 crore. The state-owned enterprise BEL has been awarded the mandate. A coordination committee headed by the Principal Secretary Municipal Administration and Urban Development has been constituted to monitor the progress of development and implementation of the planned initiatives.

As per estimates, about Rs 1,000 crore is required to host an event of this magnitude. The United Nations, through its agencies, the Centre and the State Government would pool in to take up various works. The 10th Biodiversity Summit held at Nagoya, Japan had over 10,000 delegates participating.

During a review meet, the Chief Minister has proposed a museum, pylon and a park. Ahead of the summit, a stretch of over 125 km of roads have been identified for improvement, including development of footpaths.

The Government sees this event boosting tourism in the State.

vrishi@thehindu.co.in

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