NEW DELHI: The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the Union Territory of Diu is on the way to soon emerge among the league of Smart Cities.nnAddressing a function after inaugurating and laying foundation of various development projects in Diu today,Singh said the tiny Union Territory was selected for the Smart Cities Project during the final phase of bidding and is today on the verge of realising this dream. A total of Rs. 1,400 crores would be spent under this project, of which Rs 701 crores would be the contribution of Government.nnPraful Patel, administrator of Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Lalubhai Babubhai Patel, Lok Sabha member from the Daman and Diu constituency were also present at event.nnHe said that some of the important projects to be undertaken under the scheme are:nnConstruction of a continuous coastal promenade connecting Ghogla-Jalandhar-Chadrika Mata beach- upto Chakratirth beachnnDevelopment of an all-inclusive Mobile App for the convenience of tourists for online room reservation, ticket booking, parking etc.nnEstablishment of an Integrated Command and Control Centre for strengthening security and improving traffic management in DiunnTo develop Green TransportnnSetting up of Skill Incubation Centre for the fisher-folknnConstruction of an International Convention Centre and Multipurpose Facilities CentrennDevelopment of Naida Caves and public plaza near Diu MuseumnnSea plane service between Daman and Diu to improve connectivity.nnSome other projects would be taken up under PPP mode and/or through other Government schemes under the Smart Cities programme.nnSingh said that unprecedented development has taken place in Diu during the last four years. Fund allocation has jumped fifty percent in four years from 103 crores in 2013-14 to Rs 150 crores in 2017-18.nnHe pointed out that the Central Government is responsible for the development of Union Territories and has completed several development projects during the last four years.nnEnumerating some of them, Singh highlighted establishment of solar power projects of combined capacity of 9 MW which made Diu a power surplus district. Further, there is a proposal to set up windmill power project.nnHe announced that as part of developing a new education hub, three educational institutions, – Diu College, Polytechnic College and a Food Craft Institute – will begin academic sessions from 2018-19. He also expressed confidence that the construction of a four lane highway connecting Somnath and Diu will be completed soon, which will give a fillip to the tourism sector in the region.nnHe added that for the benefit of a large number of fishermen living in Diu, the length of jetties has been increased by 500 metres and a parking harbour of 175 metres in length and 85 metres wide was also built in Vanakbara village.nnDuring the visit, Shri Rajnath Singh laid foundation for the following projects: -nnConstruction of a pile jetty in Vanakbara village at a cost of Rs.3.77 crores.nBuilding of an Annexe Circuit House at a cost of Rs. 20.60 croresnEstablishment of first phase of sewerage network, including a common sewage treatment plant, in Diu costing Rs.20.70 croresnNew school buildings at Kamleshwar, Zampa and Ghoghla.nHe also inaugurated the 450 metres long Jogging Track in Ghoghla built at a cost of Rs.4.37 crores which was built using tensile roof structure and weatherproof materials.nnSingh reiterated that the Government is committed to the development of poor and backward communities.nnHe informed that a campaign has been launched coinciding with the Birth Anniversary of Dr. BR Ambedkar on 14th April that will run till 5th May during which officials of the Central Government will monitor progress of the various development projects being undertaken for the welfare of the marginalized communities.
