National media team led by MoHUA visits Surat to witness various key projects completed by SMC

Surat : The national media team led by additional director general (media and communications), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs were on the three-day long visit to the diamond city of Surat to witness the key projects and work done by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) under Smart Cities Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT Mission, and PMAY scheme.

Rajeev Jain, Additional Direct General (M&C), MoHUA led the national media team to Surat on a three day visit starting from April 16 to April 18. The team members were informed about the projects undertaken by the municipal corporation under the Smart Cities mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT mission, PMAY scheme and other schemes of the Central Government.

Bhupendrabhai Patel,  Chief Minister of Gujarat also briefed the national media team at the Circuit House, Surat about key projects and work done by six smart cities and state government’s commitment for Urban Development and special provision towards it under current financial year was highlighted. The discussion on topics like renewable energy, organic farming, affordable housing, water supply was also done during this interaction

Rajeev Jain, ADG (M&C), MoHUA stated that Surat has consistently done well in different schemes. However, it was thought to schedule a visit of national media team to see the projects executed on ground and its impact to the common people at large.

The team members visited Anuvrat Canal Pathway which has been transformed in a vibrant public space with wide roads, dedicated cycling and walking track and other public amenities–under Smart Cities Mission, Surat has transformed different roads of 28.23 km length. A visit to “Surat Urban Observatory & Emergency Response Center (ICCC).

Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal and Mayor Hemali Boghawala highlighted that out of 81 projects worth Rs. 2813 crrore under Smart City Proposal, Surat has already completed 78 projects worth Rs. 2567 crore, and the remaining three projects will be completed shortly. All these 81 projects are diverse in nature and focuses on creating futuristic infrastructure that improves the quality of life of people. The details of key projects under Smart Cities Mission and their outcome were highlighted.

Apart from this, the detailed presentation on how Integrated Command & Control Center is being used to monitor various services, KPIs and take proactive actions was made to the agency. The IT systems implemented under Smart Cities Mission like Intelligent Transit Management System (ITMS), Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), Smart Solid Waste Management System, Comprehensive Complaint Management System, CCTV feeds, etc. are helping Surat to effectively monitor city operations.

The Gujarat model of development with creation and implementation of Development Plant at macro level and Town Planning Schemes at microlevel was also explained to the delegates. The process from conceptualization to implementation of Town Planning Scheme and how it is helpful in provision land for various development works like road network, public places, infrastructure projects, affordable housing, etc. was explained.

Post ICCC visit, the delegates were taken to DREAM City. They were informed about the vision of the project, implementation plan and various infrastructure projects undertaken and being implemented at the site. The delegates also visited Surat Diamond Bourse. The dumpsite remediation at Khajod was also shown to the delegates.

On completion of the DREAM City visit, the site visit was made to one of the PMAY housing sites located at Bharthana. The Prime Minister Awas Yojna (PMAY) is one of the important initiatives to make available affordable houses. SMC has so far allocated over 1 lakh affordable houses. The availability of affordable houses has helped reduce the slum population which was 20.87% as per 2001 to around 6% in 2021.

Next, the delegates were taken to Bamroli Tertiary Treatment Plant (TTP). Surat is the first ULB to successfully commission 40 MLD Tertiary Treatment Plant in 2014. Currently total TTP capacity is 115 MLD which includes 40 MLD Dindoli Tertiary Treatment Plant operationalized under Smart Cities Mission. The treated waste water from these TTPs are supplied to industries and on a yearly basis 140 cr. revenue is generated. The reuse of treated water is helping SMC save drinking water that can be served to over 8 lakh population and it is also helping reduce pressure on nature water resources.

In the evening, the delegates visited historic Surat Fort which has was constructed during 1540 AD and redeveloped and restored under Smart Cities Mission. The delegates were informed about the reach heritage of Surat city, the importance of Surat Fort and the efforts in authentic restoration of Surat Fort.