CII to launch 'Sustainable Cities' project in South India

Kochi, Aug 3 (UNI) Describing the development of 'Sustainable Cities' with improved habitation standards as crucial for India's growth, CII Southern Region Chairman Pradipta K Mohapatra today said the Confederation will launch several projects for this shortly.

Addressing a press conference here to announce the CII's initiatives for south India for 2007-08, Mr Mohapatra said under the head 'Sustainable Cities', CII was planning to develop a 'City Connect Project' in Karnataka in association with the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission.

It would also commission a study on 'City Infrastructure' in Hyderabad. CII, Kerala, had already set up a task force for an 'Urban Kerala Mission', state CII Chairman Umang Patodia said.

Stating that the CII would like the southern states to synergise their development initiatives and learn from one another, Mr Mahapatra praised Tamil Nadu for developing its Tier II and III cities in a big way.

Similalry, lessons could be learnt from Kerala's success in tourism, Andhra Pradesh's strides in agro-based products, Karnataka's headway in innovation and Puducherry's initiatives for livelihood enhancement, he added.

Unveiling the CII's work plan for southern India, for 2007-08, entitled 'The Southern Leap Forward', Mr Mohapatra said the key focus of this would be on skills development and employability, affirmative action, promotion of sustainable cities, progress of less developed areas and corporate social responsibility.

As part of the affirmative action planned by CII, at least 2,000 SC/ST youth were to be trained in vocational skills in different southern states.

Stating that the CII would like to partner with the state governments in implementing the plan, Mr Mohapatra said he would meet Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and other senior government officials tomorrow to see how the CII plan could be accomplished with the government's vision.

UNI