The Smart City project for Bhopal has hit unexpected hurdles after two prominent social groups have come out against the proposal with certain logics.
They have raised public consultation process and environmental concerns over the development at Shivaji Nagar, which is proposed to be included in the project. The allegations are denied by the BMC.
The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials have rejected allegations that green cover in Shivaji Nagar would be harmed with the project. BMC also rejected accusations and certain groups were not involved in smart city consultation process.
While talking to medias persons here on Saturday, Bhopal Citizen Forum (BCF) convenor HK Bhawnani said, “After studying the project we feel it would cause environmental damage. Owing to proposed construction some 30,000 trees are at risk in the area.”
BCF representative warned if its apprehensions were not resolved, they would take the legal recourse in the matter. “Government quarters at Shivaji Nagar and Tulsi Nagar may be developed keeping the height of building upto 100 ft and avoid felling of trees,” he said.
Going extreme, BCF also suggested change in smart city site. “Draft for smart city proposal was not available on the website, unlike in the case for say Indore,” alleged Bhawnani. Some BCF representatives were also irked over the fact they were not invited to a smart city conclave that took place in Bhopal last September.