Smart City projects Karnataka
Urban Development Minister BS ‘Bairati’ Suresh has called for a thorough inquiry into the quality of work under Smart City projects in six Karnataka cities—Belagavi, Davangere, Hubballi-Dharwad, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, and Tumkur. Bengaluru is excluded from the probe, as projects worth ₹877.82 crore have already been completed there.
For more details : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/karnataka/story/karnataka-smart-city-projects-quality-of-work-under-scrutiny-urban-development-minister-byrati-suresh-orders-inquiry-2659036-2025-01-03
Concerns Over Project Execution
During a review meeting, the Minister raised concerns about substandard work in completed projects and the alleged misuse of funds. He directed the Urban Development Department Secretary to form a committee comprising independent experts, technical professionals, and officials from various departments to investigate the matter. The committee is expected to submit its findings within three months.
Allocation and Criticism
Each city received an estimated ₹990 crore under the Smart City initiative, jointly funded by the central and state governments. However, Suresh criticized the heavy spending on roads, drainage, and parks instead of permanent infrastructure like smart schools, libraries, and hospitals.
Focus on Lasting Assets
The Minister emphasized that the Smart City campaign, set to conclude by March 2025, should focus on creating lasting government assets. He urged officials to prioritize building smart schools with advanced technology to benefit underprivileged children.
Local Dissatisfaction
The Minister also acknowledged dissatisfaction among local representatives regarding ongoing projects in Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Shivamogga. He warned against further lapses and stressed the importance of utilizing remaining funds wisely.
Next Steps
Senior officials, including Urban Development Secretary Deepa Cholan and representatives from the six Smart City projects, attended the meeting. The inquiry aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and improved infrastructure outcomes for Karnataka’s citizens.
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