OREANDA-NEWS. February 05, 2015. Smart cities to promote ‘harmonious living with nature’, says Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu

Calls for addressing Climate change concerns through promotion of new forms of energy, public transport, sanitation

Expressing serious concern over rising air pollution and deteriorating sanitation in urban areas adversely impacting quality of urban life, Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu has asserted that “the objective of smart cities initiative is to promote living in harmony with nature”. In his address at the Convocation of The Energy Research Institute here today, Shri Naidu called for reorientation of urban designing and planning approaches that promote such a harmony.

Elaborating on this, Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu has said that climate change concerns need to be factored in urban development strategies and action plans. He expressed concern over “designing of residential, commercial and office buildings blocking natural light and air and in turn depending on electricity for the same”. Referring to a TERI Report, Shri Naidu said that 42,000 MW of electricity could be saved by 2021 by adopting energy efficient building practices.

Referring to the adverse consequences on the quality of urban life of poor urban transport infrastructure with reliance on growing motorized individual transport, unscientific municipal solid waste and sewage management, outdated Building Bye-laws etc., Shri Naidu said that his ministry is seeking to address these concerns in collaboration with states and urban local bodies under new initiatives like smart cities, infrastructure development in 500 cities, Swachh Bharat Mission etc. He stressed on the need for increased adoption of new and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power and green building construction practices.

Shri Naidu has stressed on the need for sustainable development harmonizing environmental, ecological and social aspects with emphasis on efficient resource use.

Referring to new initiatives in urban sector, Shri Venkaiah Naidu said that there is a pressing need for capacity building at various levels and the Government will soon come out with a comprehensive capacity development scheme.