Energy and Public Relations Minister Rajendra Shukla has stressed the need to expedite the development process of cities into Smart Cities as per ideology of the Prime Minister. In coming years, climate changes will affect cities. He also laid emphasis on increasing public participation in development of cities.

The Energy Minister was addressing a workshop on the subject ‘Capable and Systematised Cities to Deal with Climate Change’ here on Friday. Bhopal Mayor Alok Sharma was also present.

The Energy Minister said that from employment viewpoint, pressure is mounting on cities. It is an important challenge to develop cities in accordance with population. To meet this challenge, resources need to be mobilised and properly implemented. Referring to waste management in Rewa city, Shukla said that people are taking part in it enthusiastically. Work to place 5,000 dustbins in the city has been taken up.

Shukla said that local bodies will have to increase their revenue sources for developing into Smart City. Concept of Smart City envisages affordable houses to all citizens, specially the poor, better public transport, power-water and clean environment. He asked local bodies also to pay attention to preservation of water sources in cities.

Mayor Alok Sharma said that state capital Bhopal will be developed as one of the best cities of the country. He informed that process has been started to reconstitute Mohalla Sudhar Samities. City’s development plan will be chalked out in consultation with voluntary organisations and enlightened citizens.

Principal Secretary Urban Development and Environment SN Mishra informed that climate changes are casting impact on cities at a rapid pace. Problems of shortage of drinking water and pollution of water sources have increased in cities. He said that various government agencies will have to work with mutual coordination for planned development of cities. He informed that State Knowledge Centre has been set up to assess impact of climate change in the state.

Chairman of TARU GK Bhatt informed that temperature of cities is increasing as a result of climate change. The biggest need in the cities these days are construction of houses in accordance with demand, power-water facilities and systematic disposal of waste. Director National Institute of Governance and Urban Management HM Mishra threw light on objectives of the workshop.