We are working on a diversified root frame that covers promoting mixed land use in area-based development: Gaurang Rathi, Varanasi Smart City CEO
SMART CITIES

We are working on a diversified root frame that covers promoting mixed land use in area-based development: Gaurang Rathi, Varanasi Smart City CEO

- Gaurang Rathi, Varanasi Smart City CEO, and Municipal Commissioner of VaranasiVaranasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest surviving cities in the world. Planning, construction and introduction of new structures in an ancient dwelling is a challenging t...

- Gaurang Rathi, Varanasi Smart City CEO, and Municipal Commissioner of VaranasiVaranasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest surviving cities in the world. Planning, construction and introduction of new structures in an ancient dwelling is a challenging task. Implementation of projects in dense settlements requires in-depth familiarity with the nooks and crannies, and robust documentation is required for proper execution. Gaurang Rathi, Varanasi Smart City Chief Executive Officer, and Municipal Commissioner of Varanasi, shares more on ongoing projects and various initiatives being implemented in the city. In January, Varanasi bagged the first position among the 100 smart cities in project implementation. How was this feat achieved?It was a result of inspiring leadership and close monitoring to resolve bottlenecks and finding logical and coordinated solutions to challenges during execution. Close monitoring and a task-oriented approach for ongoing projects; periodic reviews; resolution of issues; robust project management, active participation of citizens; and on-time reimbursement of expenditure involved all helped.Please tell us about the city’s initiatives under the Smart City Mission. Under the Smart City Mission, we are working on a diversified root frame that covers promoting mixed land use in area-based development; strengthening public infrastructure; revitalisation and redevelopment of urban spaces; improving mobility, safety and user experience by creating walkable localities and identifying and developing open spaces; and preserving the identity of the city. We are focusing on six key pillars of Varanasi’s future: Suramya Kashi (rejuvenating heritage); Nirmal Kashi (rejuvenating sacred water bodies and parks); Surakshit Kashi (improving safety); Sammunat Kashi (promotion of local artefacts and establishment of smart technologies for local rental vehicles, etc); Ekikrit Kashi (establishing ease of doing business); and Sanyojit Kashi (installation of an integrated surveillance system).How did the pandemic impact smart city projects? And how did completed projects help during the pandemic?The outbreak of COVID-19 and the implementation of a strict lockdown led to delay in completion of several projects. However, the Varanasi Smart City team managed the challenge by reviving project execution and pushing the pace of projects by increasing manpower and improving the planning strategy. During the pandemic, the Kashi Integrated Control and Command Centre (KICCC) worked as an integrated COVID war room. The city was monitored 24×7 by surveillance cameras. An integrated platform was created for the police, municipal services, district administration and food supply. Food and vegetables, kirana items and medicines delivered by vendors were coordinated by GIS-oriented mapping available at the facility, controlled and monitored through the infrastructure developed as part of the Varanasi Smart City project. The war room proved to be a successful confluence of technology and analytics with a redressal rate of 9,000+ grievances a month. The role of KICCC in the pandemic was acknowledged on  prestigious platforms like the Boston Consulting Group.Please brief us about ongoing projects.These include:Redevelopment of wards of old Kashi: Currently, Jangambadi, Kal Bhairav, Dashaswamedh, Raj Mandir and Kameshwar Mahadev wards are being redeveloped.Construction of parking: Three parking complexes are being constructed in Godowlia, Beniabagh Park and the Town Hall premises.Development and beautification of ponds: Chakra, Nadesar and Sonebhadra ponds are being developed and their surroundings beautified.Heritage signage on ghats, beautification of parks, and façade and ghat restorations. What other core infrastructure projects are planned? Any DPRs or tenders to be floated for projects in coming months?We are ready to go ahead with the redevelopment of Dr Sampoornand Sigra Stadium to international standards, which will provide a facility to conduct sports events and a training facility. Several other projects relating to safety, mobility, tourist facilitation and perception of the urban public place are being planned. The majority have already been processed, giving us a good standing in the all-India rankings. There are some projects smaller in scale for which related tenders or DPRs will be reflected on the official websites.What is the one thing about the city you are really proud of?Varanasi has both the joy of life and the salvation of death; the shehnai of Bismillah Khan at the doorpost of Sankat Mochan Temple; the glory of Rani Lakshmibai and the calmness of Mahamana. This beautiful  confluence combined with the serenity of the Ganga makes me proud.What about waste management?For effective waste management, we have taken various steps such as collection of household waste from remote locations and narrow lanes, a coordinated chain of collection and transportation, implementation of colour code for dustbins in the urban areas, spreading public awareness to segregate waste and the use of homemade compost.Has Varanasi Smart City improved life for residents?Yes, the projects and initiatives started by Varanasi Smart City have uplifted the lifestyle of the locals; initiatives like Happy Street and the Cycle 4 Change Challenge have boosted public participation and has increased the cycling habit. The rest of the projects will gradually transform the resident experience and enable ease of living. -  PRAHARSHI SAXENATo share your views, write in at feedback@ConstructionWorld.in

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