Raipur

In Bilaspur, robust arrangements will be made for the operation and maintenance of projects completed under the Smart City initiative. SOPs will be developed for each project, creating a roadmap for its optimal and long-term use. Revenue generation opportunities will be explored, along with increasing the use of these projects for citizens. Where necessary, PPP models will also be implemented. 

Various topics were discussed in the 20th meeting of the Board of Directors of Bilaspur Smart City Limited held today under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary of Urban Administration and Development Department, Sonmani Bora. Bora stressed on effective operation of Smart City projects as well as their better use and long-term sustainability. He directed to prepare clear SOPs for operation and maintenance and work as per the prescribed guidelines. He asked to work on revenue generation along with exploring the possibilities of better use of the projects. He also directed to proceed with the possibilities of PPP model as per the need.

The meeting discussed several important topics, including the progress of ongoing development projects in Bilaspur under the Smart City Mission and their future operations. Issues related to expanding civic amenities and improving urban infrastructure were also brought before the board. The operation, maintenance, and future action plans for the projects were also discussed.

Bora emphasized the need to enhance human resource capacity to better manage projects. He directed the inclusion of more people through training centers and the provision of necessary training and work experience to officers and employees. He also emphasized the need to clearly define who will shoulder what responsibilities within the projects.

The meeting also discussed the proposal to construct an academic block in the Education Hub. The proposed work was considered for institutional sustainability and optimal utilization of available BSCL funds. Water-related works were also discussed.

Principal Secretary of Urban Administration and Development Department Sonmani Bora along with Director Nilesh Mahadev Kshirsagar and Chief Executive Officer of SUDA Sumit Agarwal participated in the meeting organized virtually from the Ministry. Meanwhile, Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited Bhim Singh Kanwar, Chief Executive Officer of CHiPS Mayank Agarwal, representative of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs of Government of India Sujit Kumar, Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agarwal, Collector, Superintendent of Police Rajneesh Singh, Managing Director of Bilaspur Smart City Limited Prakash Kumar Surve and other members and officers of the Board of Directors joined the meeting online.