Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Nov 16: Deputy Mayor Purshotham Chitrapur inaugurated the second edition of Sustainable Smart Cities India, a two day conference organized by Nispana Platforms along with Mangaluru City Corporation at T M A Pai International Convention Centre here on Monday, November 16.
Chitrapur, after inaugurating the conference, said "All officers, corporators and people should join hand to bring Mangaluru city first list of 20 smart cities. I congratulate Nispana for taking initiative in organizing the second edition of ‘Sustainable Smart Cities India Conference’ in Mangaluru.”
Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of Manipal University said “Manipal institutes will provide whatever logistic support is required to see that Mangaluru is shortlisted amongst the first 20 smart cities in India. It is an absolute necessity. Today we witness the improper growth of the city without the proper infrastructure. Under the smart city programme, there are necessary arrangements for roads, drainage system, electricity, clean water supply, energy, parks, sports complexes, educational hubs, health, IT park, sports and games facilities. Solid waste management is a major problem in most of the cities. Smart city will be helpful for the undivided Dakshina Kannada."
Dr A Ravindra the former chief secretary of Karnataka Government said "There is a buzz in the country about smart cities. One of the positive and good things that have come out from smart city concept is awareness about developing the cities. 6 cities have been chosen in Karnataka. Wherever I go, I find enthusiasm among the people and officials. All want to see their cities in the first 20 cities list. I do hope that Mangaluru will be in those first twenty cities."
Ravindra lauded Mangaluru for the intelligence of its people and for its development in education, health, engineering and extending the same into rural areas. "Mangaluru should be a natural choice. But choice for smart cities is not made like that. Instead there are certain procedures, criteria and standards that have been set by the government of India in order to qualify for the same. Without good administration, we cannot develop a city. I compliment Mangaluru City Corporation and Nispana for organizing this conference." Ravindra added.
A B Ibrahim the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada addressing the gathering said "Mangaluru has a history of over 2000 years. Greeks, Arabs and Chinese came to Mangaluru for the purpose of trade and commerce centuries ago. Mangaluru is a major landmark in the trade. It had a special naval trading history with Portuguese, Dutch and British. The trade has continued even after independence. The trading activities lead to development of commerce and business activities including banking, education and medical sectors. Mangaluru has the highest Human Development Index. The city has all 4 modes of transportation. Moreover 45,000 people in city have actively participated in the cause. Poor should not to be let down and they should be involved in all strata.”
H N Gopalakrishna the commissioner of MCC welcomed. Joint Commissioner Gokuldas thanked.
Pledge for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was taken on this occasion.