Steps have been already undertaken to improve the infrastructure in the city. Industrial lands have been identified. If Aligarh gets included in the NCR region, it can get loans from the NCR Planning Board as well, says Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod, District Magistrate, Aligarh, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).
Why Aligarh should be selected under the Smart Cities Mission?
Aligarh, within its deserving limits, is one of the most deserving cities to be included in the Smart Cities Mission. We have sent a proposal to the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) to include the city in the National Capital Region (NCR). Since it is very close to Delhi, more people and resources can be diverted here which will lead to the overall development of the city. Aligarh has a bright future not only due to its ongoing demographic increase, but also due to the economic and financial progress it is making.
What steps have you taken for waste management and cleanliness?
Aligarh’s population is increasing day-by-day. That day is not far behind when it will be included in those Indian cities which have a population of more than 10 lakh. Efforts are being made for effective solid waste management system. It has to be done in a smart and sustainable way. The Municipal Corporation has already tied up with a private firm to collect solid waste, segregate it and manufacture organic manure from that. It is also trying to shift the landfills. We are soon going to come up with a designated solid waste management landfill. The challenge is that-Aligarh being a very old city, a lot of its areas are unplanned.
The city is very congested in the older areas. Door-to-door collection of waste is a very big challenge. The corporation needs to revamp its personal and solid waste machinery, in a smart and efficient way. Collecting funds for such a large scale project is a challenge itself. The scale of Smart Cities projects has to be increased and Smart Cities Mission can help in this respect–both economically and technologically.
How are you planning to attract investors to Aligarh?
Aligarh is already known as a manufacturing hub. Domestic Hardware segment is already strong here. Agri-business is also very good here. It supplies Basmati rice to many rice mills in and around Delhi and Haryana. Agro-based business is also good here. It is known for meat processing units. Steps have already been taken to improve the infrastructure in the city. Industrial lands have been identified. If the city gets included in the NCR region, it can get loans from the NCR Planning Board as well. If Jewar domestic airport comes up, Aligarh will definitely benefit from it.
How Aligarh is different city from others?
It is near Delhi and has a very good access to Yamuna expressway. A vast network of trains are available here. We are having three district level hospitals here as well as a medical college. Educational institution like Aligarh Muslim University is a wellknown name. There are many schools which are giving quality education. Skilled workforce, accessibility is not a problem. Other major markets like Meerut, Moradabad are also nearby. Aligarh is well placed for industrial investment. The city needs to improve its infrastructure, law and order situation and civic amenities too. Power availability is also good here due to Kasimpur station which is also going for an expansion.
