The Union Government on Thursday announced the final list of 98 nominees of Smart Cities and as expected Udaipur has been included in the list along with Ajmer, Kota and Jaipur from Rajasthan.

The fascinating parameters that went about in the selection of the Smart Cities are the infrastructure, water supply, adequate electricity supply, solid waste management, public transport, IT connectivity & digitization, E-governance, environment health & education and various other elements.

Now after the selection of the cities, various measures of reforms and development will take place under the stipulated budget by the center. The following measures will be taken:

• Housing opportunities for all citizens.
• Promoting mixed land use on area based developments-planning for ‘unplanned areas’ in order to make land use more efficient.
• Formulation of e-groups of Nigam’s departments for hearing people’s grievances and take suggestions. Increasing rely on online services to bring more accountability and transparency.
• Special privileges for pedestrians in the city along with proper management of public transport. Create walkable localities- reduce congestion, air pollution and resource depletion, boost local economy and ensure security.
• Open ground development for cultural programs while renovating parks, gardens and sports ground.
• Local businesses will be given boost that may include food, tourism, education, health, art, handicraft, culture, furniture, sports equipment, dairy etc. This is to give an identity to the city.
• City’s infrastructure and services will be developed on the basis of smart solutions.

Mayor Chandra Singh Kothari, when contacted, has expressed his gratitude to the Central Government for considering Udaipur as a qualifying city.  He says that the administration will take all necessary steps as per the guidelines set out by the Urban Development Ministry.  He also appealed to the residents of the city to take this news as a motivational news, and approach development together with the administration.

Kothari also said that out of the 98 cities selected, 18 are tourist locations.  He said that tourism, cleanliness and public convenience will be the focus areas in the drive towards Smart City.

The 13 Cr population across 98 cities which is 35% of urban population is covered under the Smart City Mission. This step will make them engines of economic growth besides giving decent life to the citizens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government plans to spend Rs. 3 Lac Cr over the next 5-6 years to recast urban cities. Of the 98 smart cities, 24 are business & industry centers, 18 are cultural and tourist centers and 3 are education and health care hubs.  R.s 200 Crore will be allocated to each city in the first year, followed by Rs. 100 Crore per year.