Salem Corpn. to begin smart city project with storm water drains, water bodies

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.