STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: A two-day conclave on urban planning and renewal has started in Srinagar on Thursday, bringing together officers, professionals, and urban practitioners from various states to discuss better development opportunities in urban plethora and ensure smooth resolutions to emerging various urban issues in the urban areas.
The high-level committee meeting, organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), focused on building resilient and sustainable cities for the future.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the need for resilient and future-proof urban planning. “Given the extreme weather events, impact of climate change, and unpredictable weather patterns, it is imperative to focus on resilient urban planning for future-proof cities,” Lt Governor stated.
Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur highlighted concern over the growing urban population in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the urgency of urban renewal initiatives.
The conclave aimed to gather input from various states and urban planning experts to formulate a final report on urban planning reforms across India. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the importance of sustainable and inclusive city development, stating, “Our primary objective is to build sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and safe cities which serve the needs of people and are able to effectively tackle economic, social, and climate challenges.”
Lieutenant Governor called for collective efforts from stakeholders and communities to unlock urban potential, recognizing cities as engines of growth for the country. “Our cities play a key role in fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of citizens,” he added.
The conclave’s recommendations are expected to shape the future of urban planning in India, with a focus on creating sustainable infrastructure and enabling prosperity for urban residents. As urbanization continues to reflect growing aspirations, the challenge lies in developing cities that can meet the needs of their inhabitants while addressing environmental concerns.
The outcomes of this high-level meeting are anticipated to have far-reaching implications for urban development policies and practices across the nation.