Rise up to face problems of urbanisation: Jaipal

Bangalore, Mar 19: Stating that the urban population in the country was expected to touch 50 per cent from the present 30, Union Urban Development Minister S Japial Reddy today (Mar 19, 2006) urged the authorities concerned to rise to the occasion and face the challenges.

Inaugurating 160 Type III and IV quarters of General Pool Residential Accommodation constructed by the Central Public Works Department for Central Government employees at HSR layout here, he said the ever increasing urbanisation in the country had posed serious challenges and thrown up huge problems, especially in providing better amenities and infrastructure to the urban dwellers.

The private sector was also poised for a gigantic growth in the urban development sector, especially in building railways, urban metro rail, sanitation, sewerage and drinking water. In this scenario, CPWD should also change its work culture and take into consideration new market conditions.

The Minister said over 52 per cent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was being contributed by urban areas. Construction industry, part of Urban Development, was the second largest employer after agriculture and over 50 billion US dollars was being spent on urban development activities in the country.

He said CPWD had over 1,800 acres of prime land near Jalahalli here and assured that his Ministry would give permission to construct more residential quarters for Central Government staff.

UNI