Despite grand promises and an estimated Rs 300 crore generated from land sales, Bhopal's Smart City Development Corporation Limited (BSCDCL) finds itself far from achieving its goals eight years into the project. Residents continue to grapple with non-functional LED streetlights, leaving certain areas in darkness. BSCDCL's focus on land monetization and a lack of progress in implementing essential features have fuelled frustration. Controversies over tree felling, outsourced projects, and political setbacks have further hindered the dream of a smart Bhopal. As another state election looms, the smart city project remains a symbol of unfulfilled aspirations.
Despite promises and ambitious plans, Bhopal's Smart City Development Corporation Limited (BSCDCL) finds itself struggling to realize its vision eight years after inception. The ambitious project, which was supposed to transform the city with advanced infrastructure and technology, continues to face numerous roadblocks.
One of the most glaring issues is the delay in implementing essential features such as LED street lighting. Residents in various parts of the city, including a nearly one-kilometre-long street near a tourism development property, have been left in the dark due to non-functional streetlights, even after the installation of street poles. Shockingly, BSCDCL has refused to address this concern, passing the responsibility onto the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC).
BSCDCL's primary focus appears to have shifted towards land monetization as a means of achieving self-sustainability. The sale of plots in the Area Based Development (ABD) was expected to generate an estimated Rs 300 crore, but the smart city project's progress remains stagnant. Over the years, the issue of encroachment has escalated, particularly in the TT Nagar area, where government housing land has given way to slums.
Furthermore, BSCDCL's commitment to green spaces in the smart city project has come under scrutiny. The corporation initially promised that 50% of the ABD would be green, but hundreds of mature trees, some towering up to 100 meters, were axed to make way for development. Despite BSCDCL's claims of adhering to green norms, this move has not been well-received by city residents.
The sale of plots in the ABD area, which garnered the interest of developers, builders, investors, and real estate agencies, has been marred by controversy, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Meanwhile, key projects such as multi-level parking facilities, garbage transfer stations, traffic management initiatives, and streetlight installations have been outsourced to other agencies, leaving BSCDCL's original vision in limbo.
The smart city project, initially conceived as a pan-city development initiative to bolster political prospects ahead of elections, has now lost its momentum. The last assembly elections witnessed the BJP candidate losing due to controversy surrounding BSCDCL's intervention in land acquisition. What was supposed to be a two-year project inaugurated ahead of the 2018 state elections has turned into a symbol of unfulfilled promises, with empty skyscrapers dominating the city's skyline.
As Bhopal gears up for another state election, residents are left wondering when the smart city dream will finally materialize. Despite the passage of eight years, the city still awaits the transformation it was promised. The smart city project remains mired in delays and controversies, with essential infrastructure yet to be implemented, raising questions about its feasibility and timeline.
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