The Coimbatore City Corporation organized an open discussion meet at the District Collectorate along with line department officials and public to receive ground level suggestions from them here on Wednesday.

Corporation Commissioner K.Vijayakarthikeyan had previously said that the Corporation was keen in getting ground level suggestions from both the public and line department in order to submit the Smart City Plan which would help the central government to select the first phase cities for the smart city scheme.

“Only the people and the department officials know interior fields which need developments and people can contribute in understanding civic troubles better,” ha had said in the meeting.

However, only a few people from the public turned up on the day to give suggestions on civic issues and issues that need consideration.

There was a suggestion that before bringing in new developments, the corporation officials should focus on addressing local issues including damaged roads, streets lights and solid waste management alongside water bodies.

One of the main issues was the city’s energy and traffic woes. The officials suggested that in order to convert solar power into electricity, more solar panels should be deployed all over the city.

The officials also discussed the possibilities of constructing more flyovers to avert traffic in important junctions and also construct subways in major junctions including Gandhipuram, Ramanathapuram and Townhall.

The officials have planned to receive suggestions via social media and through written petitions which can be dropped in the suggestion boxes which is to be set up soon.

“We would receive suggestions till the end of October and make necessary updates in the final SCP report,” said Vijayakarthikeyan.