Governor ESL Narsimhan on Tuesday declared open the XI World Metropolis Congress at HICC today. This is the first time that the metropolis congress is held in an Indian city.
The Governor said the Metropolis Congress provides a unique opportunity for public institutions in private companies to engage in the dialogue of cities of future like Leadership, Planning, Development, Infrastructure, and Innovations. He congratulated the XI metropolis for selecting Hyderabad as the avenue as it is the most happening city and described the metropolis as the best platform to put together all thoughts and views. He said the combined wisdom of the city planners and leaders can create cities of joy. He stressed on problems facing the world cities like migration of rural population to urban areas since the people see great opportunities here.
Narasimhan said the solution is to create satellite townships, ensure health security for the citizens with proper sewerage system and solid waste management, energy security, housing scheme for all without making urban areas a concrete jungle, ensure proper communications, security, conservation of heritages and involvement of citizens in the development of cities. He said the theme of the Congress “Cities for All” is quite relevant since our cities need inclusive development.
Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao said Hyderabad is honored to host the XI Metropolis Congress. He said the Telangana Government is developing the comprehensive master plan for a world class global smart city. He said Hyderabad is a historical and cosmopolitan city with a hub of cultural diversity and wished the deliberations all success.
Union Minister for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs M Venkaiah Naidu said with the increasing migration across the country, the pressure on providing the required infrastructure in the cities are also constantly increasing. He said the Prime Minister’s decision of development of 100 smart cities is attracting wide attention. He said smart cities should compete in development, economic prosperity and sustainability. He said the cities should be able to provide basic infrastructure like water, sanitation, reliable utility services, universal healthcare, attract investments, ensure transparency and sustainable development. He said the fast growing migration to urban areas should be seized as an opportunity for an all inclusive growth.
Venkaiah Naidu said only 31% of the population lives in urban areas in India as on now, but they contribute 60% to the country’s GDP. He said China and India will have one third of the urban population in near future. He e said in the next 15 years, this will increase by another 157 million and by another 500 millions by 2050 by when more than half of the country’s population will be living in urban areas. Sustained development will be a challenge, he said. Efficient planning and effective management is most essential, he said.
The Union Minister said there was every need to reform urban governance. He assured all assistance and support from the government of India for the efforts of the Telangana Government in developing Hyderabad as a world class global city.
Jeevan Paul Huchon, President, World Metropolis Congress, who spoke in French congratulated the new Government of Telangana for hosting the Congress for the first time. He thanked the Chef Minister for the grand welcome and hospitality the delegates have received. He said the theme is very important since the future cities should be for all. Developing infrastructure is all the more important, he said. The cities should take care of women, senior citizens, disabled and others. He complimented the Government of Telangana for conducting Metropolis in the historical City of Hyderabad.
GHMC Mayor Mohammad Majid Husssain spoke about the historic importance of the happening city of Hyderabad. He said the World Metropolis Congress being held for the first time in India provides an opportunity for valuable discussions and debate and evolving sister-city partnerships. He also said GHMC is making all efforts to provide basic amenities to the citizens towards making it a global smart city as per the visions of the Chief Minister. He said Hyderabad will learn and implement all best practices in the world.
Chief Secretary Dr.Rajiv Sharma welcomed and said Hyderabad has a glorious past and golden future. He said Hyderabad is one of the major urban centers of the country with a vibrant economy and a cosmopolitan culture.
GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar proposed a vote of thanks. (INN)