Mangaluru: “Foreign countries work only according to rules and regulations and money, but in India it’s completely a different scenario. Here we go according to humanity and culture, not only with rules and laws. India has rich traditions, customs and practices that we have to follow. Both have to be balanced equally”, said U T Khader, Health minister, Govt.of Karnataka.
He was addressing the gathering at the valedictory ceremony of the two-day conference on the “2nd edition Sustainable Smart Cities India” organized by Mangaluru City Corporation in association with Nispana Innovative Platforms closed with appraisals from the delegates, experts at TMA Pai Convention Hall here on Tuesday, November 17.
He began by congratulating the MCC, the host of the event and Nispana, the co-organizer of the conference for providing a SMART platform for the discussion on the Smart City project in Mangaluru.
“Being a metro city, Bengaluru has not been selected for the Smart City project, but Mangaluru is the one among the 98 in the smart city list, which means that the nation has a vision for Mangaluru. We have caught their attention. Our city has all the potential to qualify as a Smart City; therefore the people’s participation is equally important. Only then will we, as a city, lead towards success” he opined.
“Mangaluru should come first in the list of 20 cities in the first phase. Everyone should put in their efforts to make Mangaluru get the top spot,” he urged everyone and added that people should give up greed and selfishness and work together for the development of the city. “Let us become one of the first Smart Cities of India”, he said.
Appreciating the health care sector in Mangaluru he said, “The Health sector in Mangaluru has improved and is transforming to become a Smart Health City. And if there is a Visa on Arrival provided, then Mangaluru will be a shelter for poor countries to provide better and affordable treatment.”
He suggested that the MCC officials give more emphasis to systematic rainwater flow and improve the inlet and outlet system within city limits. Unit wise installation and monitoring of water supply and other facilities should be implemented within the corporation city limits and promised his whole hearted support for all the projects related to the city.
He also applauded MCC executive engineer Dharmaraj for his efforts and active participation in organizing the event and said “Even before the Smart City Mission was introduced, Dharmaraj has been actively involved in making Mangaluru a better and efficient city.”
Over 400 participants witnessed the value based presentations from various expert panelists from across the world.
MCC commissioner H S Gopalkrishna welcomed the gathering; Arvind Shekar proposed the vote of thanks.
Deputy mayor Purushotham Chitrapur, opposition party leader Sudheer Shetty, MD of Nispana Narendra Kumar and others were present.
