The emerging scenario in the much hyped smart city program, the Temple City-Madurai is all set to be included in the select band for Smart City projects initiated by the Union government in its second round. If Madurai joins the smart band, it would receive Rs. 1,000-cr funds for development, Rs. 100-cr each from Centre and State governments. With Meenakshi Temple being the focal point of attraction, the Corporation of Madurai has planned to give a facelift to the city and the smart band would further ensure phenomenal funds, 24 hour drinking water, rainwater-harvesting structure, solid waste management, solar power, energy saving devices, etc. Above all, heritage structures in the city would be preserved and promoted, said a senior functionary of the civic body, reiterating that the road along the Vaigai river bank would be strengthened and upgraded to matching standards, he added.
