Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 9: The Union government has launched a Rs 1,000 crore Hill and Himalayan Cities Focused Fund to strengthen solid waste management in ecologically sensitive regions under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, announced the initiative at the National Urban Conclave, highlighting the shift from poverty alleviation to empowerment and entrepreneurship. “To sustain this transformation, coordination among the Centre, states, urban local bodies, and the private sector is essential,” he said.
During the conclave, Sahu also inaugurated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange between the Ministry and the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Osmania University, IIPA, and AIILSG. The collaboration is aimed at developing resource materials and addressing training and research requirements for the urban sector across states and Union Territories.
The minister further launched the IIRS Sankalan App, a GIS-based tool designed to make urban surveys more efficient by enabling on-site editing, geo-tagging, and enhanced data accuracy.
Additionally, the Centre for Public Policy on Habitat and Housing was inaugurated at the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), Delhi. The centre will focus on policy support, research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to promote affordable and inclusive housing in urban India.
“Our vision of Viksit Bharat is an India where every urban citizen — from street vendors to gig workers — is a dignified partner in development,” Sahu said.
Ministry Secretary Srinivas Katikithala underscored the government’s aim to develop 50 global cities, outlining plans for BRICS Urban Forum and Urban Tech Expo in April 2026 to position India as a leader in urban development.
The two-day conclave focused on urban governance, circular economy, and the housing ecosystem. Experts discussed institutional innovations for future-ready governance, strategies to convert waste into resources, and policy frameworks to expand affordable housing alongside livelihood and infrastructure development.
The deliberations are expected to provide actionable insights for India’s roadmap toward inclusive, resilient, and well-governed cities, supporting the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.