AGARTALA, June 24 (TIWN): Two representatives of the Department of Urban Development set to participate at the programme called by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in an attempt transform the urban infrastructure at Vigyan Bhawan on June 25.Principal Secretary of Urban Development Department, Lokaranjan and Town and Country Planner P. Bhattacharya left on June 24 evening to participate in this important meeting, confirmed an official of UD Department.The meet has been called to discuss about the different developmental work and progress of the existing development initiatives taken in the state. Further, Prime Minister Modi will announce guidelines for the implementation of two big-ticket urban renewal projects. The projects are to build Smart City in the concern states and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).Prime Minister Modi will announce the guidelines in the presence of senior officials from different states and Union Territories dealing with urban affairs and mayors of municipal commission. Reportedly, the representatives of Tripura were asked to give a 5 minutes of presentation on the reports of installation of the Light Emitting Diode (LED) light by the Government of India.

 The presentation mentioned the area where the LED lights were installed including the total cost required for the installation of LED light in the capital.

The twin project will change the landscape by addressing the issue of infrastructure gap in urban areas. Beside the state will get the opportunity to develop its infrastructure.

Under the central project, the AMC has introduced Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting across the city areas by replacing the old bulbs. At least 33816 old street lights were replaced by the LED lamps so far. According to the official sources the entire process of installing the LED lights has not yet been completed. “It is expected that we can finish up the work by the month of June this year,” the source added.

Earlier Sinha claimed Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) can save at least Rs 2 crore on its electricity bill by switching to the LED lamps.

The AMC will not have to spend anything on capital investment, operation and maintenance of the LED-based lighting system in Agartala for the first seven years, later confirmed an official.

However, interestingly it has been seen that some of the LED Street lights in the capital has gone out of order. Some are flickering, can stop functioning any time. Earlier when asked about the present poor condition of the LED in the capital, the official informed that due to the rain and the scorching heat of the sun the electricians are unable to work to renovate the LED lights.

If the condition remains such then the dream of PM Modi of building Smart City will remain as dream.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched his dream project of building 100 Smart Cities on 29 April 2015, when the Cabinet chaired by him approved of Rs 48,000 crore out lay to be spent on the project over the next five years.

The Cabinet also approved the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), a mission aimed at transforming 500 cities and towns into efficient urban living spaces, with special focus on a healthy and green environment for children.

The Cabinet approved Rs 50,000 crore for this mission which is to be spent over the next five years. Both projects are interlinked, however, each has a special focus on urban infrastructure development that India needs if it has to emerge as a strong contender for a developed nation status, in times ahead.