Collector and District Magistrate
Kota
CEO, Kota Smart City Limited, Kota
Kota has developed a citywide app where people can register their complaints. A portal for senior citizens, under the leadership of Rotary Club Kota, is also being prepared, says Rohit Gupta, Collector and District Magistrate, Kota, and CEO, Kota Smart City Limited, in conversation with Harshal Y Desai of Elets News Network (ENN).
“More than 800 cameras will be installed and will help us in keeping better vigil for security as well as civic amenities of the city.”
What are some of the projects the Kota Smart City Limited is working on?
Kota Smart City Limited has been working on several projects which include strengthening and building of digital infrastructure, transportation and parking, LED lighting project, bus shelters, etc. Our Smart City initiatives also include a number of beautification projects of parks and public places, building of integrated cultural complex and Kotdi Canal Front project. Further, providing sewage network and 24×7 water supply to citizens of Kota is also an integral part of the mission and is a top priority.
We have already developed a citywide app where people can register their complaints. A portal for senior citizens, under the leadership of Rotary Club Kota, is also being prepared. An e-book bank project (KotaReads) has also been initiated through which people can choose their favourite books and read them in the comfort of their homes. Digitisation of health records is also being done in partnership with MedCorps which will be available to citizens free of cost.
What is the idea behind the “Selfie with Plantation” campaign started recently?
Kota district administration had started “Selfie with Plantation” campaign to promote greenery. Under this campaign, we requested and encouraged citizens to plant trees and take selfie while doing so. The photos were to be uploaded through Kota city mobile application. These photos were reflected on Google map also. We had added a feature of ‘Plantation Leaderboard’ which reflected names of people and groups who did maximum plantation. 14,000 trees have been planted so far and the campaign has been extremely successful.
What are your plans for the beautification and infrastructure projects of the city? What is the status of Dussehra ground project?
We are developing Dussehra ground on the lines of Pragati ground. This project will be developed and completed in three phases. The first phase of the project is underway and we are spending Rs 77.55 crores on the project. The first phase of the project will be completed by April, 2018. We have also invited tenders for the second phase of the project. The third phase of the project will be most interesting where we will build smart community halls and club house within the premise.
Further, in the entire city of Kota – including the areas covered under Kota Municipal Corporation and Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) – 50,000 LED lights are being installed. So far, we have been able to install about 32,500 LED lights.
We have also proposed to develop and beautify 35 of total 95 parks which are in the Area Based Development region. We are also promoting the use of solar energy and have already proposed installation of solar panels on all government buildings in the city. We are also working on building an Integrated Cultural Complex and a canal waterfront project connecting Kothadi pond with Kishore Sagar pond. A detailed project report for this project is being prepared.
City Nallas, which are presently in a very bad situation, is another matter of concern. There are plans to develop them aesthetically and also enhance the treatment facilities for water flowing through them.
“Smart Classrooms in government schools, installation of solar pumps at various water bodies (bawadis), are some of the other initiatives which will make a great impact.”
What are your plans pertaining to transportation and parking?
To strengthen parking management, we have proposed to construct parking lots at various places in the city. Detailed Project Report (DPR) for developing two of such parking lots has also been prepared. The administration is also promoting the use of nonmotorised transportation system and has created about 15 cycle sheds in the city where people can hire cycles on affordable rates. Kota Smart City buses are already working in the city. We have now proposed building smart bus shelters.
What initiatives have been taken by Kota to be a part of Swachh Bharat Mission?
We are working on streamlining waste disposal system in the city, and to ensure this, we have proposed GPS-based Vehicle Tracking System. Through this initiative, we wish to ensure that our vehicles which are deployed for collecting waste, functions properly. There is also a proposal to strengthen the sewage system in the residential colonies under UIT and Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (RUIDP) areas.
The project will also ensure proper sewage connection in the residential areas where there are sewage lines now. In a State High Powered Steering Committee (SHPSC) meeting, organised on August 3, 2017, it was decided that the fund for this project will be converged from the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSNP).
What are other development plans for Kota?
The administration is determined to implement and execute projects for overall development of the city of Kota. We believe that in the near future, the city of Kota will see tremendous development all around. A state-of-the-art command and control center has been already inaugurated by Chief Minister of Rajasthan Vasundhra Raje.
Project for house to house gas connection has also been proposed.
Smart Classrooms in government schools, installation of solar pumps at various water bodies (bawadis), installation of sanitary napkin vending machines, and preparing detailed e-health records for the citizens of Kota are some of the other initiatives which will make a great impact.
Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter, Instagram.
