Naveen Calls For Developing Cities With Infrastructure For Future Population

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday emphasised on developing cities with sustainable infrastructure to accommodate future population growth.

Addressing the inaugural function of 71st National Town and Country Planners Conference, organised by Institute of Town Planners India(ITPI) at Bhubaneswar on theme of “Challenges for Urban and Regional Planning towards sustainable development” on virtual mode, Naveen said, “Along with economic growth, we have to develop our cities and towns with sustainable infrastructure that can accommodate future population growth. Our government has taken series of initiatives to make urban planning bodies more effective and citizen centric.”

Seeking recommendation from the conference, he assured that his government will consider to implement those proposals.

Bhubaneswar mayor Sulochana Das said, “Bhubaneswar has tremendous potential for growth both in industrial as well as real estate sector. The city has taken the path of planned development. Our all activities are based on clean and green city concept following sustainable development. Many activities are being undertaken to address impact of climate change and population growth. We focus on improvement in sanitation, cleanliness and proper management of both solid and liquid wastes. We also giving much importance to make Bhubaneswar a liveable city
concentrating on city beautification, control of air population.”

“Bhubaneswar is emerging as a rapidly growing city of eastern India. It has become a major IT hub of the country which attracts tech majors like TCS, IBM, Deloitte, etc. Many major hospitals have also set up their centres and after successfully hosting Hockey Men’s World Cup, Bhubaneswar also emerged as a major sports destination,” she added.

Vice-president of ITPI LP Patnaik said, “Major challenges of urban planning are air and water pollution, climate change, energy and waste management. Therefore, urban planning should focus on sustainable development to overcome these challenges. Reform needed in city planning and its execution.”

Among others G Mathi Vathanan, principal secretary, Housing and Urban Development department; SB Khodankar, former secretary general, ITPI; Prof DS Meeshram, president ITPI; Sushant Mishra, Director, Town Planning and PK Patnaik, member EC, ORC, ITPI were present.