Port Blair top among cities in implementing PMAY (U), AMRUT & SCM projects: PBMC Secy

Port Blair, June 26: Port Blair city is one of the top amongst the Union Territories (UTs) in terms of implementation of Flagship Missions & Programmes of Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, namely Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) [PMAY(U)], AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation), Smart Cities Mission (SCM), the Secretary of Port Blair Municipal Council and Smart City CEO, Mr Suneel Anchipaka said on Tuesday. He was speaking to the Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs, Civil Aviation (Independent Charge) and Commerce & Industry, Mr Hardeep Singh Puri at a video conference held on the occasion of 4th Anniversary of Urban Missions of PMAY(U), SCM & AMRUT, in New Delhi.

A total of 79 projects have been earmarked for Port Blair city under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation), out of which 47 projects (44 projects of water supply and 3 Parks[Green Space]) have been completed. 25 projects are under various stages of implementations whereas remaining are under tendering process, Mr Suneel informed.

"Under PMAY(U)'s Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC), 13 projects for beneficiaries have been completed out of total 29 projects and remaining are under various stage of construction. Under Affordable Housing in Partnership component of PMAY (U), 555 houses will be constructed for which one hectare of land has been identified for Phase I of the construction of houses".

The PBMC Secretary informed that a Project Management Consultancy has been hired in the year 2018 under SCM for the city. A total of 43 projects have been identified under SCM for the city. 13,500 conventional lights have been replaced by LED lights under SCM. The Flag Point recently inaugurated by the Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi is one such smart city project that has become an attraction spot frequented by locals and tourists, he added.

He further said PBMC will soon initiate the process for construction of Sea Promenade including a 3 meter walking track and a 1.5 meter jogging track from Marina Park to South Point. An Integrated Command and Control Centre will also be developed in the city for making Port Blair a citizen and tourist friendly city with improved civic services. (PIB, Port Blair)