JAIPUR, INDIA (Smart Cities News): The Rs. 1,000 crores ‘Smart City project in Agra, aimed at the city’s redevelopment, is progressing slowly, causing hardships for the people.
After conducting a significant review, Agra District Magistrate (DM) Shri Prabhu N Singh said that he had ordered an inquiry into the work done on the project so far.
As of now, 19 projects have been reviewed. The concerned officials will submit a written report on the slow progress of the 1200 mm water pipeline project.
Before the inquiry starts, the work done on the Smart City project was expose due to three days of heavy rain, which causes waterlogging of main roads, lanes and by-lanes due to lack of a proper drainage system.
A dozen roads that are restricted for the redevelopment work seem like a warzone, with huge craters such as potholes appearing in the middle of the streets.
Because of this problem, several people have been injured after they fell into potholes. As a result, some of them admit to hospitals. In addition, some vehicles are stuck in these craters or potholes. Therefore, additional traffic police personnel have been appointed to places that where there are snarls.
At some places in Agra, only one way is motorable, causing traffic jams. Tourist vehicles get stuck from Sikandra towards the Taj Mahal, as the roads are either flooded or covered in ankle-deep mud.
The city’s people said they are not happy with the progress and lackadaisical attitude of the municipal corporation and district administration.
Social activist Deep Sharma said a significant part of the Rs 1,000 crore spent on the city’s redevelopment vanished away due to rain.
“Roads were dug up and left like that for many months. So, when it rained, these roads turned into death traps for motorists and pedestrians. So, what’s smart in the way work is being done for the Smart City project,” said Deep Sharma.