80 per cent sewerage work done, rest by 31 May in Panaji: Smart City Mission

The Smart City Mission said that over 80 per cent of the sewerage works in Panaji have been completed and said the remaining work will be done by May 31. The project has been implemented in central Panaji, Fontainhas, Mala,St Inez and Miramar areas and involves construction of manholes or chambers, laying, testing and commissioning of sewerage network using the trenchless method. Imagine Panaji Smart City Development (IPSCDL) said extra utility lines for water, electricity, gas and BSNL are being incorporated at a distance of 6-7 feet from the sewerage line to prevent future issues. IPSCDL demonstrates a commitment to the improvement of Panaji and overall infrastructure, encompassing roads with a focus on maintaining smooth traffic flow and ensuring safety. IPSCDL CEO and MD Sanjit Rodrigues said work is being carried out through the application of proper methodologies, increased work periods and skilled workers.Contact: Panaji Smart CityWebsite: www.imaginepanaji.comSoon, 140 electric vehicles will collect garbage in five Lucknow zonesIn an eco-friendly initiative, Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has decided to introduce 140 electric vehicles for garbage collection. These vehicles will be deployed by Ramky group, a private company hired for solid waste management (SWM).The initiative aims to eliminate pollution associated with traditional garbage collection methods. The shift to electric vehicles not only addresses environmental issues but also promises cost savings for the waste management company.To ensure smooth functioning of the electric fleet, LMC plans to establish dedicated parking and charging stations in each zoneContact: Lucknow Municipal CorporationWebsite: www.lmc.up.nic.inLudhiana’s infrastructure in place for 100 e-buses  With Ludhiana being selected for receipt of 100 electric buses under the PM e-bus sewa scheme, civic officials are in a hurry to establish infrastructure required for the buses to operate. Officials said the first priority was to get bus depots with charging stations ready so that the buses could be stationed there. They said meetings were being held with Government of India (GoI) officials and that the government was keen on providing the buses as soon as possible. One ofthe two locations selected by the municipal corporation (MC) for the bus depots is the civic body’s workshop at Hambran Road and at Ghoda Colony. MC officials have been told that the GoI will bear the expenses of making electricity arrangements for the bus depots both for 11 and 36 kV lines.  Yogi government to develop 17 major cities of UP as solar citiesTo lend impetus to adoption of solar energy across Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government has unveiled plans to transform 17 major cities of the state into solar cities, alongside the revered cities of Ayodhya and Varanasi. Of significance are the government's efforts to establish Ayodhya as the state's inaugural solar city. Ayodhya’s Solar City project encompasses installation of over 2,500 solar-powered streetlights, underscoring the city's commitment to sustainability. Last month Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had inaugurated a solar boat in Ayodhya. With Ayodhya blazing a trail in solar energy adoption, the focus now shifts to Varanasi, which is slated to witness the installation of 25,000 rooftop solar plants.Phase 2 should focus on Tier-2 cities near capitals: PanelThe government should launch the second phase of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) with a thrust on Tier-2 cities located between 50 and 100 km from capitals and ‘tourist cities’, a parliamentary committee has suggested. It said that in view of digital infrastructure being created in 100 cities under the mission, there is a need to set up a robust system to protect digital platforms from cyber attacks and ensure that sensitive public and private data is adequately protected and safeguarded. The Narendra Modi government launched its flagship Smart Cities Mission (SCM) on 25 June 2015.