Such conferences are vital for capacity building; should be held regularly across the country, including through online platforms
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, attended the National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies held in Manesar, Gurugram on Friday as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the Minister emphasized the crucial role such conferences play in capacity building for urban governance. He said that this is the first time a conference of urban local body representatives has been organized on such a large scale, marking a significant milestone. He further advocated for the regular organization of similar events across the country, highlighting the importance of utilizing online platforms to ensure broader participation. “Wider engagement will empower more people to contribute and help transform the face of our cities,” he said.
Manohar Lal stated that, similar to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, urban local bodies should also conduct formal House sessions, chaired by a person elected in the manner of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha. This, he said, would help establish a more transparent and accountable system of governance. The Minister urged public representatives from across the country to actively contribute to strengthening urban local bodies. He also encouraged the implementation of best practices showcased during the conference, especially by those urban bodies that demonstrated exemplary work, to further improve the quality of life and infrastructure in cities.
Urban Development should go hand-in-hand with environmental protection
Khattar emphasized that urban development must go hand in hand with environmental protection. He stated that while pursuing progressive initiatives, it is essential to keep environmental sustainability at the forefront. The Minister highlighted the need to improve traffic systems and simultaneously plan for e-mobility solutions. He noted that while metro rail services began in India in 2002 much later than in the United States, where metros have existed for over 150 years, India has made remarkable progress. Today, metro networks span 1,000 kilometers across 21 cities, which is comparable to the extent of metro systems in the U.S. He added that there are plans to expand this network even further in the future.