Shimla: Historic Shimla city has failed to get into the list of smart city project because of lacking behind the other cities in terms of providing facilities to its natives. To ensure Shimla city in the prestigious union Govt funded project, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister admitted that Shimla being a state capital needs to be given priority so that Shimla may be included in Smart City Mission.
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, in a review meeting of progress of various schemes being implemented by Municipal Corporation (MC) Shimla within the municipal limits, stressed to complete the ongoing works of beautification of Shimla town and the roads at the earliest. He appreciated the Shimla Mall road restoration project and conservation of churches in heritage zone.
He desired that musical fountains be installed in the town, besides the process of Shifting vegetable market to Darni Ka Bagicha and the Anaaj Mandi (Grain Market) and Timber Market to Shnaan, Malyana should be initiated as soon as possible. The Chief Minister appreciated the renovation of Rani Jhansi Park and the fountains installed therein. He also appreciated the ongoing renovation projects of roads and parks of Shimla besides lightening the streets and tunnels with LED lights.
The Chief Minister also asked to start construction work of colony at Krishnagar and restoration of traditional water bodies (Bowdis) in Shimla town.
The Chief Minister directed to utilize and run the shelter house for stray dogs at Tutkikandi in proper manner. He said that a veterinarian along with other staff should be there to take care of stray dogs. As due to the case lying pending with the Supreme Court, due to petition filed by Animal Welfare Board of India against judgment of Himachal High court for making Shimla stray dog free, the MC was helpless in controlling the menace of canines.
Vice-Chairman, HPTDC Harish Janartha suggested for improving the condition of road from Lakkar Bazar to Sanjauli, which was in bad shape. He said that the work of Sports Complex at Sanjauli requires to be accelerated. Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla MC said that few works were being delayed despite the funds given to the concerned department.
Chief Secretary VC Pharka directed to complete the works as announced by the Chief Minister. He said that the foot bridges at Tara Hall, Chelsea, and Sanjauli College should be completed soon. He directed the work be started on these foot bridges by 25th March after completing all codal formalities. He also directed to start work of Sanjauli Sports Complex and install LED screen at Sanjauli, as the one already installed at Sports Complex at Lift.
Commissioner MC Pankaj Rai presented a detailed presentation, and informed the meeting that the MC had recently constructed six Rain Shelters within its municipal limits and that too in traditional style and nine more were proposed Apart from this a Book café was under construction at Takka Bench, Ridge in Shimla. He said that the MC had decided to install five more e-toilets and water ATMs in 25 wards of Shimla.
Advisor to CM TG. Negi, Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Nanda, Secretaries Anuradha Thakur and Mohan Chauhan, MD HPTDC Dinesh Malhotra were also present at the meeting.
