The
Salem Corporation has proposed to kick-start the smart city project by
concentrating in forming storm water drains and rehabilitating water
bodies.

Corporation Commissioner R. Satish held discussion with
the senior officials on finalising the programmes under the smart city
project recently. The programme will be implemented in two phases –
first phase will focus on area-based development and the second phase on
pan city.

On the occasion, Mr. Satish said that the Corporation
has prepared a project report of forming storm water drains and laying
new roads at an outlay of Rs. 122 crore.

For the implementation of
the first phase, the 690 acres surrounding new bus stand and VOC Market
have been identified with the guidance of the Centre and the preference
of the city residents. The Corporation will create pucca infrastructure
in these areas, besides implementing the projects of traffic
management.

Particularly under the area-based development
programme, the Corporation will accord priority for the implementation
of drinking water projects, solid waste management and forming storm
water drains.

The Bengaluru-based TATA Consulting Engineers
Limited appointed as the consultant by the Tamil Nadu Urban
Infrastructure Development Fund has already prepared a project report.

The
report contained details of rehabilitation of lakes and tanks,
rainwater harvesting structures, and repairing and maintenance of
sluices of water bodies.

Besides the senior officials of the
Corporation, officials of the Public Works Department, Fire and Rescue
Services Department, Tangedco, Revenue, Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board,
representatives of service organisations, residents welfare
associations, traders bodies, transport operators associations, and
lorry owners association also participated in the meeting.