PM has gifted various projects like GIFT City, Surat Diamond Bourse, Dholera SIR, and Sabarmati Riverfront which have made Gujarat’s urbanization of global standard…reports Asian Lite News
Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the U20 Mayoral Summit, under India’s G20 Presidency, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.
In his address, the CM said, “ I am confident that U20 will become an ideal platform for solutions to challenges in modern and futuristic urban development. World leaders and mayors have come together on a common platform through U20. They will not only discuss on economic development of cities but also on making them the center of socio-economic and economic centers.”
Talking about India’s G20 Presidency, the Hon’ble CM said, “ I am happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts have got India the G20 Presidency. This U20 Summit, organized with the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam-One Earth-One World-One Family, is a summit that unites all for the common agenda of Sustainable Urban Development.”
Talking about the challenges for the future, the CM added that it is the need of the hour to integrate ever-increasing urbanization with sustainable development, climate change, public services, and solutions to traffic-related issues.
He also highlighted that Gujarat is India’s most urbanised state whose urbanization history started 4500 years ago with the Indus Valley Civilization. The state is thankful to the PM who crafted the success story of urban development. He guided in using technology for providing modern and better civic amenities to the people to promote ‘Ease of Living.’ This is the sole reason why cities in Gujarat have been witness to innovative and futuristic projects.
PM has gifted various projects like GIFT City, Surat Diamond Bourse, Dholera SIR, and Sabarmati Riverfront which have made Gujarat’s urbanization of global standard.
The two-day summit will have in-depth discussions on topics like water security, promoting digitalization, and mainstreaming women and children in urban development, including creating public awareness about the critical impact of climate change in urban areas. The Chief Minister urged the mayors and city leaders to exchange the best practices of their cities in all these sectors.
CM, in the presence of the Ambassador of Switzerland to India, Dr.Ralph Heckner, released the “Climate Resilient City Action Plan for Ahmedabad” prepared by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation This plan has been prepared in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore welcomed the delegates from various parts of India and the world. He said, “ India has been a leader in urban development since the ancient Harappan period. And India is inspiring other nations with its sustainable and unique initiatives even today. The Urban 20 Mayoral Summit will be a medium for sharing best practices and special initiatives taking place in developed cities of the world. The Union Minister of State expressed confidence that the deliberations and discussions in the two-day U20 Summit held in Gujarat will play an important role in the urban development sector in the days to come.
PM Modi has highlighted India’s accelerating development on a global platform through the G20. Under his leadership, India has very rapidly implemented various policies in solar and renewable energy, water security, Housing for All, reuse of waste water, and solid waste management for urban development and sustainable urbanization. He has made dedicated efforts to make India Aatmanirbhar through initiatives like Make in India, said the Union Minister.
The Union Minister added that the Urban-20 Summit will have an important contribution in ensuring the quality of life for the people and sustainable development of cities amidst the increasing urbanization. The Union Minister urged all the delegates to work towards realizing the ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.’
Kirit Parmar, Mayor of Ahmedabad, Chair City of the 6th Urban-20, in his welcome address, said, “U20 has gained importance with the increasing global urbanization. The U20 has addressed various pressing economic and sustainable development issues such as climate change, digital transformation, city-level investment, and health care since the G20 summit joined the Paris Agreement.”
Kevin Austin, Deputy Executive Director of Urban-20’s associate organization “C40 Cities”, lauded Gujarat’s public transport system. He said that public access has become easier through metro and BRTS in cities. Ahmedabad is the first city to have its own Advance Action Plan. He pointed out the possibility of most cities becoming victims of rising global temperatures by 2050. He requested everyone to take concrete steps in view of the possible climate crisis.