Develop industrial areas under Smart City Mission, says IIA head

Ludhiana, June 9

Sanjay Goel, chairman, Indian Institute of Architects, Punjab Chapter, has written to the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and requested him that the industrial areas/focal points of Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar must be covered under the Smart City Mission as majority of these areas are lying in neglect for decades.

“We all know that Ludhiana is also known as Manchester of India for its aggressive and excellent industry, especially hosiery and cycle parts. Businessmen from different parts of the world visit Punjab for their business requirements. Focal point areas can be made smart under the Smart City Mission - Area Based Development (ABD) Scheme or PAN city scheme,” said Goel, who is also one of the directors of Ludhiana Smart City Limited.

“We all know that government gets maximum taxes/income from the industrial areas of industrial cities, whereas these areas are highly neglected from the development point of view. Smart City companies in Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar can start working on smart roads in industrial areas/focal points, the way smart roads are coming up in ABD areas or elsewhere. Good roads in industrial areas will promote more industry as well as income. At present, the condition of roads and services, including electrical, sewerage system, rainwater harvesting and landscaping, is in a bad state,” he said. — TNS