‘Trying to make Ghaziabad a smart city at the earliest’
22 May 2015 4:42 AM IST
To turn the city <g data-gr-id="80">in to</g> a smart one, decongest traffic, construct new roads and widen the existing ones especially highways, improvement in drainage and sewerage system, cleaning of roads, parks and public places, disposal of wastes and ensuring inclusive growth are the major tasks at hand on which the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) will emphasise in the coming year. Plans will be chalked out to develop the entire region <g data-gr-id="77">in to</g> a world class city, says Vijay Kumar Yadav, the newly appointed Vice-Chairman (V-C), with Anup Verma. Excerpts:
Q. What are the priorities of GDA in the coming days?
The first and foremost priority is to complete ongoing projects related with basic infrastructure within a scheduled <g data-gr-id="64">time-frame</g>. The authority is working on dozens of projects like <g data-gr-id="68">expansion</g> of Metro rail from Dilshad Garden (New Delhi) to new bus terminus in Ghaziabad. As the expansion is being done with participation with Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam (GNN), Awas Vikas Parishad, and <g data-gr-id="65">UPSIDC</g>, talks will be held to speed-up the project. Widening of NH-24 and construction of Northern Peripheral Expressway will also be ensured in the next couple of years. More roads will be constructed parallel to the existing ones to ease traffic. Projects announced by the state government will also be on priority basis.
Q. What are the road maps for making it a smart city?
The GDA will review ongoing works as well as pending projects <g data-gr-id="75">with in</g> two-three weeks period. If money is required, it will be released at the earliest. As the GDA is basically a housing development authority, emphasis will be on new housing projects especially affordable and group housing. Unallotted flats of Madhuban <g data-gr-id="76">Bapudham</g> scheme will be given to fresh allottees. <g data-gr-id="85">Co-ordination</g> will be created with GNN to improve sewer and drainage system. The authority will provide all kinds of assistance to the Corporation to improve the system. <g data-gr-id="83">Green</g> cover will be increased on lines of <g data-gr-id="84">city</g> forest. Traffic junctions, witnessing congestions during morning and evening hours, will be signal free. Beautification of parks and roads will be ensured to give the city a smart look.
Q. What about garbage disposal and proper sanitation of the area?
With massive urbanisation, the city is producing hundreds of tonnes of additional garbage. The GDA will work on ‘waste management project’. A place will be identified to construct a proper landfill site. The authority, in association with the Municipal Corporation, will ensure sanitation and cleanliness of every nook and corner. If required, more sewer treatment plants (STPs) will be constructed.
Q. Is there any proposal to make the area wi-fi <g data-gr-id="55">zone ?</g>
In the recent past, the GDA has worked a lot on wi-fi projects and even free wi-fi facility is being provided in several areas. Major roads, public places, key markets, etc will soon be equipped with wi-fi.
Q. Is there any plan to check illegal construction and encroachment on public land?
Although there is a proper mechanism to check <g data-gr-id="67">illegal</g> construction, we will constitute a task force with the law enforcement agency. The GDA will initiate penal action against squatters who have encroached upon public land in and around the city. <g data-gr-id="69">Road side</g> encroachments will also be taken care of. Encroachment from parks will be removed. The authority will come down heavily on colonisers who will erect illegal colonies in areas.
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