‘Smart’ suggestions pour in for a better Lucknow

Scores of residents have come forward with ideas to contribute their bit in the state capital’s journey towards becoming a smart city.

In a special camp organised by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) at its office in Aishbagh on Wednesday, over 150 residents submitted their ideas for the Lucknow smart city project.

The city has enough potential to enter into the next round of smart city competition, said municipal commissioner Udairaj Singh, adding Wednesday’s participation of residents strengthened the confidence.

During the camp, LMC officials had discussions with residents over civic problems in the city and their solutions. Some proposals made by the residents were immediately accommodated in the detailed smart city project proposal, officials said.

Proposals like construction of a bridge over Haider Canal was included in urban mobility section, while the proposal for underground parking near all major markets was also accepted.

In retrofitting section, residents proposed the inclusion of Qaiserbagh market and heritage area. This area was proposed to be renovated and modernised, keeping its heritage value intact.

Additional municipal commissioner PK Srivastava said, “Most of the residents wanted Qaiserbagh area retrofitted. This is a good sign that residents know more than we expected from them about the smart city plan.”

“The residents argued that if 500 acres is picked up in areas like Gomti Nagar or Alambagh for retrofitting then it would not be representing whole of Lucknow, while Qaiserbagh area has the potential to represent the state capital because of its heritage value,” said Srivastava.

The Qaiserbagh area has buildings like Ameeruddalua library, Bardari, Lal Baradari, High Court building, Bhatkhande institute, Gymkhana, Mehmoodabad house, Nazeerabad and some part of Golaganj and Qaiserbagh bus stand.

Residents of the city are also sending their suggestions to LMC online and through post daily.

“We will accommodate all proposals which have some potential,” said the municipal commissioner.

Next camp for residents to submit their suggestions would be organsied at Jhandi Park in front of LMC office on Thursday from 11 am. Residents of zone I can submit their proposals in the camp.

Most of the residents wanted Qaiserbagh area retrofitted. This is a good sign that residents know more than we expected from them about the smart city plan... We will accommodate all proposals with potential

PK SRIVASTAVA, AMC