The Times of India           12.10.2010

VARANASI: Fascinated by the cleanliness in Nara, Japan, and the sense of self-discipline among its citizens, mayor Kaushalendra Singh made an appeal to local citizens to cooperate with the local administration in keeping Varanasi clean and beautiful.

The mayor, along with additional municipal commissioner Sachchidanand Singh, had gone to Japan to attend the first East- Asia Local and Regional Government Congress organised by the Nara Prefectural government in Nara, Japan, from October 6 to 8.

Talking to reporters on Monday, the mayor said the congress was organised in commemoration of the 1300th anniversary of Nara-Heijo-kyo capital upon the adoption of the Nara Statement last year. The purpose of the congress was to build a foundation on peace and prosperity between Japan and East Asia through local regions establishing continuous cooperative relations.

The mayor also made a presentation on the past and present endeavours and future promotional strategies for cultural heritage conservation and tourism promotion, utilising tourism heritage at the congress. In his presentation, beside giving background and city description, he also highlighted the heritage of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon. He also pointed out the challenges that the city was facing like urbanisation, pressure on riverfront and traffic congestion. "I also highlighted the promotional strategies for infrastructure development through public private partnership, promotion of ecotourism, restoration of ancient places, buildings, ponds and forts," he said and added the delegates from different countries were influenced with the rich cultural heritage of this millennia-old city.

According to him, the local authorities from China, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines took part in the congress. Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. Its temples, shrines and ruins collectively form "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", a UNESCO World Heritage Site.