Urban planning conclave in Srinagar calls for building resilient cities

Srinagar, July 4: A two-day conclave on urban planning and renewal that started in Srinagar on Thursday focused on building resilient and sustainable cities for the future.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that the conclave brought 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 was organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

Delivering a keynote address, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasised 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,” he said.

LG Sinha highlighted the importance of sustainable and inclusive city development, saying, “Our primary objective is to build sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and safe cities which serve the needs of people and can effectively tackle economic, social, and climate challenges.”

He called for collective efforts from stakeholders and communities to unlock urban potential, recognising cities as engines of growth for the country.

“Our cities play a key role in fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of citizens,” the LG said.

Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur highlighted concern over the growing urban population in J&K, 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.

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 urbanisation 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.