The Hindu 25.09.2009

Call for an inclusive, collaborative urban development plan

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Land use proposals in the cities should be synergised with other plans for mobility, economic progress, heritage and conservation so that the urbanisation process could be inclusive and comprehensive, Union Urban Development Secretary M. Ramachandran has said.

“Cities are engines of social change, innovation and economic growth,” he noted, speaking at the First Habitat Summit, a three-day conference for discussing “Alternative Urban Futures for India”, on Thursday.

“Cities face safety and security challenges that call for greater cooperation among national, regional and local bodies as well as other stakeholders,” he added.

Inclusive local governance, collaborative and innovative structures in delivery of urban servicesinformed and engaged communities were some of the requisites for the safer and sustainable development of cities, Mr. Ramachandran said.

“The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission launched by the Union Government in 2005 envisages development of efficient and sustainable cities and provides for reform-linked financial assistance to 65 cities covered by the mission for creation of infrastructure,” he said, adding, “There is also a need to emphasise on the capacity-building of cities not covered by the JNNURM.”

Mr. Ramachandran emphasised the need to find alternative sources to fund urban development. Speaking of initiatives with regard to sustainable urban development, he observed: “The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, which is a component of the Prime Minister’s action plan on climate change, will promote sustainability of habitats through improved energy efficiency in buildings, urban planning, improved management of solid and liquid waste, recycling, power generation and a model shift towards public transport and conservation.”

Urban design consultant for Naya Raipur Sudeshna Chatterjee said a lack of funds at the local level often prevented small cities from achieving their potential.

The Hindu 25.09.2009

MCD launches cleanliness drive

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: To ensure that the Capital wears a clean and green look during this festive season, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is launching a special four-week “Clean and Green Delhi Drive” beginning Friday.

Announcing the plan on Thursday, Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain said that during the drive it would be ensured that proper standards of sanitation, cleanliness, maintenance and horticulture works are set by the field agencies with proper supervision at the ground level.

He requested the municipal councillors and chairmen of ward committees to cooperate and guide the municipal staff engaged in various works to be carried out during the drive. He also directed the additional commissioners and deputy commissioners of all 12 MCD zones to ensure proper implementation of the drive.

“They will inspect the areas under their charge in the morning and record their observation after monitoring,” he added.

As part of the drive, efforts would also be made to ensure that accumulated garbage and roadside silt collected from market areas, commercial or office complexes, residential colonies and religious places are disposed of at sanitary landfill sites.

Emphasis would be laid on improving the surroundings of the entry and exit points of Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations, inter-State bus terminals, airport, and major road junctions.