Tapir Gao, the BJP Member of Parliament for Arunachal East, and Pasighat East MLA Tapi Darang met Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, to discuss development plans for Pasighat under the Smart City initiative. They highlighted key priorities, including empowering local communities and improving urban infrastructure. The leaders outlined strategies to foster growth in the region, especially within the Smart City framework. Gao thanked Minister Khattar for his support, while Khattar assured full backing and resources to realise Pasighat’s transformation. Contact: Pasighat Smart City Website: www.smartpasighat.in Tel: 020 2077 2325Karnataka Govt Initiates Probe into Smart City Project QualityUrban Development Minister BS ‘Bairati’ Suresh has ordered a thorough investigation into six Smart City projects in Karnataka, excluding Bengaluru, due to concerns over their quality and focus. During a review meeting, he expressed dissatisfaction with fund allocations, noting that much of the budget was spent on temporary infrastructure, such as roads and drainage, instead of permanent assets like smart schools, hospitals, and libraries. The minister instructed the Urban Development Department Secretary to form a committee of experts to investigate and submit a report within three months.Chalai Project to Take New TurnThe Chalai Heritage Street project under Thiruvananthapuram Smart City will undergo significant changes after the initial plan to replicate Kozhikode's SM Street model was dropped due to funding shortages from the Smart City project. Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas will chair a meeting this month to finalise the revised project features, with funding now secured by combining tourism and Smart City resources. Renovation of eight roads leading to the market is ongoing, with completion expected by mid- January. The revised plan aims for completion by March. The project will prioritise road connectivity without evacuating traders, with enhancements to make the market pedestrian-friendly and aesthetically improved.Contact: Thiruvananthapuram Smart City LtdWebsite: www.smartcitytvm.inEmail: info@smartcitytvm.inTel: +91 - 0471 - 4010374Hubballi’s Revamped Bus Terminal UnveiledUnion Minister Pralhad Joshi announced plans to develop 50 per cent of cities by 2051 during the inauguration of the renovated old bus terminal under the Hubballi- Dharwad Smart City Project. He highlighted the country's growth and rising foreign direct investment (FDI). Joshi also noted the challenges of maintaining a sports complex worth `1.8 billion (bn) and stressed the importance of prioritising urban transport, water, electricity, and local transport. He emphasized the need for proper maintenance of projects, including the Indira Glass House Garden. Minister Santosh Lad advocated for non-partisan development and proposed a `20 bn Union grant to support regional growth.Contact: Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City ProjectEmail: www. hubballidharwad. karnatakasmartcity.inTel: +91 - 0471 – 4010374Panaji Smart City's Urban Map Survey is Nearing CompletionThe advanced survey by Panaji Smart City Development (IPSCDL) on the city’s topography, stormwater drainage network, and street utilities is nearing completion as part of the 'Urban-Act' project. Nearly 98 per cent of the work is done, with only ground verification remaining.In collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ India), the project aims to create a climate-resilient urban planning database. The survey provides a detailed, real-time view of key infrastructure and contour data.