10 cities in Maharashtra to be developed on the lines of smart cities

Stressing that the government’s smart cities initiative was not meant only for a handful of rich people, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that 10 cities in Maharashtra would be developed on the lines of the centre’s Smart City programme Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, while inaugurating the Smart City Summit at Kalyan in Thane district, has said that “10 cities in the state would be developed on the lines of the Smart City programme of the union government.” “Credible, efficient, transparent and inclusive planning, are the base for any smart city and these cities (to be developed) would be provided with the necessary funds,” he added.  The chief minister further said that the Smart City concept initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “Was not meant only for a handful of rich people but was meant for one and all. Unless and until all classes of the society participate, the city will not become smart. The investment made in the city will definitely be useful.” “The state government will think positively, to implement cluster development for Kalyan-Dombivili on the lines of the one in Thane city,” Fadnavis said. The chief minister also revealed that Oracle had selected the twin cities of Kalyan-Dombivili, for implementation of its e-governance pilot project. “The technology being used in Los Angeles, in the United States, would be used in Kalyan-Dombivili. In this connection, a team of state government officials would be visiting the firm’s headquarters in Bengaluru on June 22. A MoU will be inked with the company in July,” he added. “In the next two years, citizens will not be required to go to any government office for their services. All the apps will be available on the mobile itself,” he said. On a related issue, Fadnavis added that hereafter, the civic bodies would not be given permission for dumping grounds. “Instead, they should find ways and means to dispose of the waste scientifically,” he said. PTI