Nagpur: Unveiling the Vision of a Sustainable and Smart City

Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is determined to transform Nagpur into a truly smart city, focusing on various sectors such as health, traffic, and waste management. In a recent media interaction, Fadnavis highlighted the multitude of initiatives he is spearheading to ensure Nagpur’s sustainable development. One of the city’s major challenges is waste disposal, and to address this issue, a massive biogas plant is set to be established.

A biogas plant, capable of producing 27 million cubic meters of compound biogas annually, will be constructed at Nagpur’s Bhandewadi dumping yard. The project is being implemented through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Netherlands’ Sustainable Business Development (SusBDe) company and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation. This plant, scheduled to be fully operational by November 2024, will treat approximately 600 metric tonnes of wet waste per day, making it the first project of its kind in India.

Upon completion, the biogas plant will also pave the way for the reclamation of landfill areas in Bhandewadi, effectively putting an end to the dumping of garbage in the vicinity. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has allocated 30 acres of land for this purpose, with no additional financial obligations. Furthermore, the civic body will receive an annual sum of Rs15 lakh from the company, along with an equal share in carbon credits generated from waste processing.

Traffic congestion is another pressing concern in Nagpur, and to combat this issue, the government has initiated the Intelligent and Integrated Traffic Management System (IITMS) project. With a budget of ₹197 crore, this government-funded project aims to minimize traffic congestion by utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-controlled traffic signals will reduce waiting times at intersections based on real-time traffic data collected through satellite monitoring. Fadnavis also emphasized the need to enforce traffic rules strictly and announced plans to introduce a helmet rule for pillion riders.

The development of transportation infrastructure in Nagpur is also a priority. With the upcoming second phase of the Nagpur Metro, Fadnavis revealed plans to enhance transportation services along the city’s ring road. The introduction of electric buses and trolley buses, coupled with an efficient feeder service, will provide improved connectivity for residents. A feasibility report on this transport initiative is currently being prepared by the Tata company.

Addressing the concerns of orange farmers engaged in exporting their produce to Bangladesh, Fadnavis discussed the possibility of granting subsidies on import duties. A comprehensive study is being conducted to examine the potential impact of subsidizing a portion of the import duty, which may alleviate the financial burden on farmers. A decision will be made based on the findings of this report.

FAQ:
1. What is the aim of the biogas plant in Nagpur?
– The biogas plant aims to process and treat 600 metric tonnes of wet waste daily, effectively addressing the issue of garbage disposal in the city.

2. How will traffic congestion be reduced in Nagpur?
– The Intelligent and Integrated Traffic Management System (IITMS) project, utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), will control traffic signals based on real-time traffic data, effectively reducing waiting times at intersections.

3. What are the plans for transportation along Nagpur’s ring road?
– The government plans to introduce electric buses, trolley buses, and an efficient feeder service to enhance transportation services along the city’s ring road.

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