2 lakh smart city suggestions in 2 months

Views and concerns of stakeholders will have major contribution in formulating the vision for the city, says NMMC commissioner

CBD BELAPUR: Two months since the civic body invited suggestions from residents to make Navi Mumbai a smart city, around 2.75 lakh suggestions have poured in from the residents.

“We wish to motivate the residents to get involved in the process of development of the city. The views and concerns of the stakeholders will have major contribution in formulating the vision for the city,” said Dinesh Waghmare, municipal commissioner, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC).

Waghmare was addressing mediapersons at a press consultation at the civic body headquarters in Belapur on Tuesday to confirm NMMC’s participation in the smart city challenge launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The consultation workshop was opened by city engineer Mohan Dagaonkar who explained the criteria to be met for the smart city challenge.

“A smart city requires comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social and economic infrastructure. These are important to improve the quality of life and attract people and investments to the city,” said Waghmare. “Navi Mumbai is eligible in all respects to earn the title of smart city NMMC will leave no stone unturned to meet this challenge.”

“The media plays an integral role in the city’s progress. So, we wanted to take the media’s inputs for the project,” said Waghmare.

Media representatives suggested barrier-free walkable footpaths, transport service empowerment, unconventional use of energy to save electricity, better parking facilities among others.

They also suggested development of marinas and sea transportation, setting up of yoga and entertainment centres, beautification of lake, rural and slum development measures, improved drainage and sewage facilities to prevent pollution.

Some media representatives said thrust should be given to disaster shelter centres. The civic body should also strengthen the fire brigade system, set up larger number of Englishmedium municipal schools. Provisions of better public toilet conveniences should be drawn in the smart city blueprint.

MEDIAPERSONS SUGGESTED BARRIER-FREE FOOTPATHS, BETTER PARKING FACILITIES