Few smart cities won’t make difference: Venkaiah Naidu

Ranchi: Vice-president M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said unless all cities are made smart it will not make a “big difference” to the country and for this the participation of the people and stake holders is important.

“Only one Ranchi Smart City or hundred smart cities in the country will not make a big difference unless all the cities of the country are made smart. But for this purpose the participation of all the people and stakeholders is important,” Mr Naidu said after bhoomi puja was held for the Ranchi Smart City.

“Ranchi will be the first Greenfield Smart City of the country where IT, beauty, duty and security everything will be available and so Ranchi Smart City will not only be a lighthouse for Jharkhand but it will be a lighthouse for the entire country,” the vice-president said.

Stating that the situation in the country must change, Mr Naidu said, electricity comes and goes erratically and this old concept must go. “All the places and houses must have 24x7 electricity.”

He said, many developed countries have achieved it so why should India be behind?

Mr Naidu said that looking into the development of such countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought in such futuristic plans in the country.

The vice-president said that local bureaucracy, local bodies and politicians must work together taking on board the common people to fulfil the ambitious projects.