Mr. Surendra Hiranandani, the Founder & Managing Director of House of Hiranandani
“The announcement of the launch of 100 smart cities is a welcome initiative that will boost growth in the future. This is the first important step towards dealing with an old problem that has only worsened with time- urban planning. Urbanization in India has been a victim of systemic inefficiencies and policy paralysis. This has been the biggest weakness of even our largest cities, just as they are the greatest strengths of major global cities. The recent scrapping and seeking a revision of Mumbai’s Development Plan is testimony to lack of efficient and futuristic urban planning. This has severely impacted the quality of life of citizens in urban areas. Addressing them is critical to turn this dream into reality. The big challenge will be to create self-sustaining cities, which create jobs, use resources wisely and improve the lives of residents. For the initiative to be a success, there should be better cohesion between the various agencies responsible for urban development and planning. For instance, provision of clean water to citizens, sewage treatment, robust healthcare systems, efficient transport networks and strong governance must form the blueprint of new cities. Every urban plan will need to have a long-term view only then will economic growth happen.” Surendra Hiranandani, Chairman, House of Hiranandani.
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