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Morung Express News
Kohima | August 30
Kohima has won the Zonal Best Smart City Awards for the Northeast Zone in the India Smart Cities Awards (ISCA) contest for the year 2022.
This was announced by Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL), CEO, K Theunuo at a press conference today. The India Smart Cities Awards is organized under the aegis of the Smart Cities Mission by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Besides that, the CEO said that Kohima Smart City has also been credited as a top performer among smart cities in the country for its outstanding contribution towards data governance by the Ministry. "It is also among the top 10, in three ministry interventions which are streets for people, cycle for change and nurturing neighborhood challenges," Theunuo said. For these three interventions, cash awards have been given, he further added.
This is the 4th edition conducted by the smart City missions.
Theunuo said the selection was done on various criteria which include overall performance, innovative ideas, community engagement, technology etc that promote sustainable development across the cities, equitable, safe, healthy and collaborative cities which enhances the quality of life.
The CEO said the award recognizes Kohima's dedicated efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance citizen services, and implement sustainable urban practices. "The city's commitment to harnessing technology for the betterment of its residents has been a driving force behind this accomplishment," he added.
The President of India will felicitate the winners of ISAC 2022 awards on September 27 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Smart City projects delayed due to change in funding pattern
The KSCDL CEO, meanwhile, informed that projects under its banner had been delayed due to change in funding pattern and amount of funding. For which, the completion of KSCDL projects have been extended for another year.
It may be mentioned the smart City projects were to complete in June this year.
Speaking on the backdrop, Theunuo also apprised media persons of the changes and readjustments which were made with regard to the proposal of projects earlier made.
"Last year in the month of April, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs changed the funding pattern which earlier was 50/50. Now, the pattern is 10% state share which has been reduced to Rs 50 crore and the project cost reduced to Rs 550 crore. With the allocated budget, 32 projects were taken up and so far 24 projects have been completed," he briefed.
While 8 projects are yet to be completed, it has been extended to another year.
The CEO said that at least 5 projects are expected to be completed this year which include slum area development, battle tank development, rain water harvesting, local ground, mini sports complex at city centre.
