Surat Municipal Commissioner Milind Torawane spoke to Virendra Pandit on the challenges of change and the prospects for progress. Excerpts from the interview:
How realistic is this project?
For a responsive city like Surat, it is a natural progression to be a Smart City. We know it is doable and we will do it, particularly since our citizens want it, as was reflected in the citizens’ engagement effort.
They will get a 40 sqft, 1BHK dwelling, with social infrastructure like anganwadis, water taps, children’s play area and a walled compound.
Where will the LIG housing
be developed?
The 6.5-km creek area will be developed. We will remove encroachments and reclaim extra land. We have already rehabilitated some 60,000 slum-dwellers.
In other cities, rehabilitated slum dwellers have been known to rent out their dwellings and move back into slums. How can you avert this?
We will use biometric identification and fast-track development of the areas cleared. That will prevent misuse of the facilities.
What hurdles do you anticipate in the implementation?
Some resistance is likely in areas marked for retrofitting.
But we believe people will see the long-term benefits. Since this is a business hub, we think it is feasible.