By
PTI |
State aims to develop major towns like Shimla, Manali and Dharmashala as Smart Cities
Shimla,
October 17: France is keen to invest in developing 'smart cities' and other
urban development projects in Himachal Pradesh and looking forward to invest in
the state, French Ambassador to India Francois Richier said.
The
Ambassador, who led a delegation to meet the state's Chief Minister Virbhadra
Singh and other concerned ministers and officers, impressed that France is keen
on developing Smart Cities having adequate infrastructure and facilities like
proper water treatment, waste management, urban transport and street lighting
in the state.
The
delegation deliberated upon various issues pertaining to advanced technologies
for developing energy and power projects for Smart Cities in the state.
The
delegation interacted on issues related to transport solution and mobility,
technical solutions for waste collection, urban transportation and re-cycling,
appropriate technology for introducing decentralised seepage management system,
etc.
The
Chief Minister said the state intended to develop major towns like Shimla,
Manali and Dharmashala as Smart Cities and the French government had shown its
keenness to adopt the towns and the State government would take up this matter
with Ministry of Urban Development Government of India.
The
Chief Minister assured the French delegates to study the proposals and seek
their valuable and technical expertise as and when required.
Francois
Richier said: "We can provide solution to Himachal Pradesh in urban
infrastructure, especially urban transport, water and waste management and
urban lighting and the state could also collaborate with France in developing
smart cities.
According
to Richier, several French companies are already working in India for
development of better urban infrastructure and metro is one of them.
"In
Himachal, the construction of metro is not feasible and our focus here is on
developing ropeway and metro cable.
We
fully agree with the importance of providing environment- friendly transport
system, which helps cutting consumption of fossil fuel and lowers impact on
climate change and melting of glaciers," he said.
He
said there was vast potential to develop renewable energies and tourism in the
state.
The
other members of the delegation were Jean-Rene, Minister Counsellor and Head of
Regional Economic Services for South Asia, Ilika Mann, Counsellor for Regional
and Legal Relations, Embassy of France, Ms Fanny Herve, Counsellor Sustainable
Development, Embassy of France, Ms Camille Severac, Project officer, French
Development Agency in India (AFD) and other delegates specialised in the field
of Urban Development and Solar Energy. Source:
www.igovernment.in
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