Government giving confidence to Urban Bodies & States for Urban Planning

“Imposition of ‘Odd-even day’ restrictions on vehicles in Delhi is a consequence of unsustainable urban development practices followed over the years and all stakeholders need to draw lessons from it” said Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu here. He was addressing Mayors, Chairpersons, Municipal Commissioners and officials from 62 cities and towns from 22 States at the National Workshop on Sanitation organized by the Ministry of Urban Development. The two day workshop will discuss strategies and technologies for making cities Open Defecation Free besides ensuring safe treatment and disposal of fecal matter, largely being released into environment untreated.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu noted that haphazard urban expansion over the years led to distortions like lack of equity in access to urban spaces, severe infrastructure deficit, poor quality of life and unsustainable urban development. He said that these deficiencies are being addressed to under new schemes launched by the Government.

Asserting that unclean environment and open defecation impinge on basic human rights, Shri Naidu urged the elected chiefs of urban local bodies to work with people for behavioral changes and increased use of toilets. He said “Mayors and Municipal Chairpersons should not think of next election. They should aim at being remembered for the good work done by them. People are rational and are willing to be led in right direction and they don’t mind paying for assured quality services”.

Welcoming the initiative of 18 States who came forward to make 400 cities Open Defecation Free by the end of 2016, Shri Naidu asked why only a set of States are in the forefront in this regard.