PATNA: No city from Bihar has figured on the list of India Smart Cities Awards 2020 winners, which was announced by the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs on Friday to mark the six years of the Smart City Mission.
The participants were the 100 cities selected under the mission, including four from Bihar – Patna, Muzaffarpur, Biharsharif and Bhagalpur.
The awards were given to smart cities on the basis of several parameters, such as social aspects, governance, culture, urban environment, sanitation, economy, environment, water and urban mobility.
Sustainable business model of Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCC) and innovation in Covid-19 management were also counted for the awards.
Harshita, public relations officer of Patna Smart City Limited, said more weightage was given to utilisation of the funds, projects executed, projects in the tender stage and awarded by the smart cities.
“There are several parameters to judge the smart cities.
In Bihar, the projects are not matured to utilise funds,” she told this newspaper.
As per the current ranking of smart cities, Patna stood at 61st position among all the smart cities in the country, Biharsharif (70), Bhagalpur (91) and Muzaffarpur (99).
The PSCL has so far received Rs 380 crore, including 194 crore, from the Centre.
Of the amount, Rs 131 crore has been utilised.
Under the PSCL, only two projects – mega screen at Gandhi Maidan and redevelopment of Beerchand Patel Path – have been completed.
Adalatganj lake area redevelopment, Jan Seva Kendra, Intermediate Public Transport Stand, Intelligent Solid Waste Management and ICCC-cum-PSCL building are under construction.
Six projects – 3D wall painting, facelift of S K Memorial Hall, Happy Streets, development of road joining Beerchand Patel Marg, installation of e-toilets and ICCC – are under the tender stage.
State urban development and housing department minister Tarkishore Prasad and principal secretary Anand Kishor could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.