CII has organized Smart Cities Conference-2015
today at Hotel Taj Vivanta, Lucknow.The conference sees the overwhelming
response from participants, decision
makers from the government, industry and the citizens.The conference discussed
in detail on how to integrate services and measures that will reduce the
environmental footprint of cities, increase their appeal, and safeguard quality
of life—all without any adverse effects on the efficiency of utilities.
“UP government, first mover in Smart Cities looking at Smart
Villages concept” said Mr Mahesh Kumar Gupta,
Principal Secretary, Infrastructure and Industrial Development, Government of
Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking at the Smart Cities Conference organized by Confederation
of Indian Industry and IGBC, today in Lucknow, Mr Mahesh Kumar Gupta, Principal
Secretary, Infrastructure and Industrial Development, Government of Uttar
Pradesh, emphasized on the planning aspect for the Smart Cities to be
sustainable. He underlined the key ingredients for growth of Smart Cities being
that to give a decent quality of life, provide sustainable and inclusive growth
and is a replicable model. He also outlined the importance of the
strategic component for smart cities, as re-development, retrofitting,
renewable and redevelopment. He further stressed on the need for a holistic
view while planning the Smart Cities. Mr Gupta emphasized on the key role that
Urban bodies had to play in development of Smart cities and also on the role of
Leadership in driving the initiatives.
Development of smart cities will demand major investments and here
the role of the State Leadership will play the critical role. He invited
participation from Industry for developing cities in UP. Sharing with the
gathering how UP was the first mover in identifying 4 cities to be developed as
Smart much before the Central Government announced its scheme and also shared
how the UP government is envisaging urban development along the Eastern Freight
Corridor. He highlighted the speed of land acquisition and implementation
of Lucknow-Agra highway which has become a case study in itself.
“Safe, reliable, fast,
energy efficient, comfortable mass transport system a cornerstone for any Smart
City” said Mr
Kumar Keshav, Managing
Director, Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation. He further emphasized on the role of
green & clean transport infrastructure in Smart Cities and shared how LMRC
was making a difference to the city landscape. A clean, green, reliable
transport system which reduces the need for using the personal vehicles,
thereby saving fuel, reducing pollution is a necessity for green smart city.
Sharing a presentation on progress made by LMRC he shared how Energy
Efficiency; Water Management; Sustainability & Environment Friendly
Technology; Renewable Energy have become the guiding principles for LMRC
today. Such is the cost effectiveness of the green initiatives that Phase
1A is expected to recover cost in 5yrs due to savings on account of reduction
in vehicular fuel consumption; lesser number of vehicles; fewer on road
accidents; reduction in green house gases emission.
“UP is the largest contributor to the 3billion sqft Green space
development in the country” Dr Prem C
Jain, Chairman, IGBC and Chairman, AECOM Ltd also dwelt on the need to
return back to our historical knowledge in developing eco friendly
infrastructure and also how IGBC has helped in scientifically compiling our
traditional knowledge and amalgamating it with the new age infrastructure
development. He further shared how IGBC is the green rating certifying agency
working very closely with LMRC for the certification of its stations.
“Smart cities no longer a luxury but a necessity today and
governments need to engage citizens as clients” said Mr Sameer Gupta.
Sharing his views Mr Sameer Gupta, Chairman, CII Uttar Pradesh
State Council and Managing Director, Jackson Group, also mentioned the work
being done by CII in partnering the shortlisted cities and how CII can help the
cities in preparing for the next stage of smart cities competition. He
too underlined the importance of the need for all stakeholders to come together
to plan and execute the concept of Smart Cities. Mr Gupta also envisaged how
good quality smart cities can not only attract investment but also initiate
reverse migration.
The Inaugural Session of the Conference saw participation of
leading lights from the Industry such asMr Sachin Sharma, Director – Projects, Waves
Infratech Ltd, who shared how a Township developed by them is Platinum rated
township in India. Mr
Prakash Chandraker, Managing
Director, Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd in his presentation shared the
fundamentals of Smart Cities and how his company is partnering other
stakeholders to achieve the goals. Mr
Rohit Chandra, Managing
Director, Omnigrid Micropower Company Ltd, gave micro level innovative
solutions being provided to rural population to enable them use electricity in
their day to day life. The solutions have been designed keeping in mind the
power demand and the paying capacity of rural population. Mr Dillon B, Deputy Senior
Commercial Officer,U.S Embassy. The
conference is being partnered by Lucknow
Metro Rail Corporation; Lucknow Municipal Corporation and IGBC. The Conference
saw experts from various domains sharing their views on critical aspects for a
Smart City such as Energy; Infrastructure and Utilities.