Inaugural Session Of ‘MUNICIPALIKA-2015’

Chief Minister Smt. Vasundhara Raje has said that we have to develop our cities in such a manner that our coming generation can breath easily. She asked for active participation of public in sustainable development of the cities. We have to make people partner is development of our cities, she said.

Smt. Raje was addressing the inaugural session of the 13th International Conference & Exhibition on Sustainable Habitat & Smart Cities ‘Municipalika-2015’ at Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre on Wednesday. She said people have to understand that the amount collected through taxes levied on various services is spent on the development of their own cities.

She said while discussing sustainable urban development and smart cities we must learn from the farsightedness of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh, the founder of Jaipur and the vision of Shri Vidyadhar Bhattacharyaji who had prepared outlines before establishing Jaipur city as the first planned city of the country in 1727. She said today we need to develop our fast growing cities with that vision to provide better life to our urban people.

The Chief Minister said people should not look at government for every developmental work but they have to actively participate in this process of development. She urged elected public representatives to adopt new initiatives and implement in their areas.

Smt. Raje said four cities of Rajasthan have been chosen for Smart City Project and 29 cities have been chosen for AMRUT scheme which is a matter for pride for all of us. She said for the first time Anti Defacement Act has been implemented in the state so that people can not disfigure the beauty of the city. People have to love their cities and public representatives have to make people understand that their role is important in developing cities as smart cities.

The Chief Minister said news of air pollution in Delhi is in headlines these days and we do should not wait for our air quality to worsen at that level. She said taking important step in the direction of environment clearance collectors of all 33 districts have been directed to immediately initiate efforts in carbon footprint reduction cutting across sectors such as urban management, tree plantation, water conservation and recycling, controlling tailpipe emissions, encouraging greater use of solar and wind energy etc. She said ‘Act locally to impact globally’ is the mantra behind the state’s priority of cleaner, greener cities. Through this, the state hopes to minimise impacts on global warming and climate change, she said.

Smt. Raje said people of Indian origin are playing important role in development of cities in Canada. She said more and more gardens are developed in Singapore and Canada. Gardens are good for the health of our children, she said.

The Chief Minister released Conference Directory and newsletter ‘Urban Digest’ on this occasion. She also inaugurated the exhibition.

Urban Development and Housing Minister Shri Rajpal Singh Shekhawat said many initiatives have been taken for sustainable urban development. He said Rajasthan is first to prepare master plan for all cities and towns and initiate step to change street lighting with LED lights. He said Mukhyamantri Jan Awas Yojana is being appreciated throughout India. He said Municipalika will provide ideal platform to evolve strategy for proper urban development.

Country Director, Indian Resident Mission, ADB, Ms. Teresa Kho said Rajasthan is one of the best performing states when it comes to implementation of project. She said Rajasthan is emerging as the best investment destination due to the efforts of Chief Minister Smt. Vasundhara Raje. High Commissioner of Canda in India Shri Nadir Patel, Resident Coordinator, UNDP Shri Yuri Afanasiev, Country Representative India-UN Habitat Shri Alain Grimard, Jaipur Mayor Shri Nirmal Nahta, Advisor-Good Governance India Foundation Shri V. Suresh and others also addressed the inaugural session.

Jaipur, 09 December 2015