Jhansi’s Smart City Mission: Progress, Challenges, And Financial Concerns

Jhansi has proudly secured its place among the top 10 cities in Uttar Pradesh selected for the prestigious Smart City Mission in its third phase, marking a significant milestone in the city’s growth and development. This initiative has undeniably been a gift to the city, as Jhansi has started to become smarter day by day, although the process has been gradual.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Jhansi’s smart city projects have been closely monitored, with the CM regularly reviewing progress virtually. His support has helped ensure that the city continues to evolve, albeit at a slow pace.

Controversy Surrounding Corruption Allegations

A few days ago, Samajwadi Party and Congress leaders accused the Smart City Mission of corruption, claiming that Rs. 300 crore had been misappropriated. They demanded an inquiry into the matter. The municipal corporation has been protesting these accusations since they were made.

Jhansi Overtakes Lucknow And Prayagraj

In 2022, Jhansi ranked 4th in Uttar Pradesh, surpassing cities like Prayagraj and Lucknow, the capital of the state. On the national level, the city secured the 40th position, which is already a remarkable achievement and sets a benchmark for further progress.

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The city has seen the development of parking slots, incubation centers, museums, smart TVs for the medical college, and hostel blocks in the Dhyanchand Stadium. Smart classrooms and computer labs have been installed in government schools to enhance educational facilities. Additionally, 5 electric cars have been introduced for tourists and especially-abled individuals, further boosting tourism. Electric bus services have been started to reduce pollution, while a door-to-door waste collection service has been promoted free of charge. Rainwater harvesting systems have also been set up in government buildings. These initiatives aim to promote tourism, which, in turn, will generate employment.

The Rani Lakshmi Bai Fort has been beautified with light shows at night and solar lights with Wi-Fi facilities for tourists. Several new developments have also been made to promote sports in the city.

New Multi-Level Parking Facility

Jhansi will see several new projects this year, including a multi-level parking facility developed under the Smart City Mission. The parking fees will be set at Rs. 20 per hour for the first 12 hours. After 12 hours, the fee will decrease to Rs. 10 per hour for the next 13 to 24 hours. A Lucknow-based firm has been awarded the tender to operate the parking, and the contract will be finalized on Wednesday after a security deposit is paid. The parking facility is expected to open by the end of January, with additional weekly, monthly, and annual rental rates.

Financial Concerns And Mismanagement

While Jhansi has benefited from the Smart City Mission in many ways, some trends and data show that unnecessary expenses have been made, diverting funds from more important projects. For instance, significant funds were allocated for solar panels and water consumption initiatives, but these were not implemented effectively.

Additionally, Rs. 2.88 crore was spent on pink toilets, most of which have not even opened for public use. A huge budget of Rs. 23 crore was allocated to Narayan Bagh, even though it was already a beautiful park, raising questions about the necessity of this expense. Instead, even half of the money could have been better utilized for more critical projects.

Forty-two open gyms were created with a minimum fee of Rs. 10, but local residents began avoiding them due to the fee, as they were expected to be free.

A smart hospital named the Smart Pathology Centre, which was funded with Rs. 100 crore under the Smart City Mission, remains unopened even after three months. The inauguration has been delayed as officials are waiting for Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to officiate the event. Despite its potential to provide low-cost healthcare services to local people, it remains inaccessible until the inauguration takes place. To date, Rs. 930 crore has been spent on the Smart City Mission in Jhansi, funding six projects under this initiative.

Smart Future Still In Progress

While Jhansi’s journey to becoming a truly “smart” city is filled with promise, it is also accompanied by challenges. The city has made significant progress in infrastructure development, tourism, and education. However, it must address issues related to misplaced priorities and spending inefficiencies. As the city moves forward, it must strike a balance between ambitious projects and practical, impactful changes that will truly benefit its residents for years to come.

Based On Personal Opinion By Elisha Yadav.