Navy giving utmost importance to environment: VAdm Damle

Kochi, Dec 27 (UNI) Stressing the need of balancing economic growth with social responsibility in urban development, Flag Officer Commander-in-Chief of Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Sunil K Damle today said environmental concerns occupy a prominent place in Navy's roadmap for the future.

Delivering the inaugural speech at the National Convention of the Indian Institute of Architects -- Vaastu Samave' 07 here, Vice Admiral Damle said ''When we are looking at infrastructure development to meet our training and operational needs, we aim to do so as green and clean as possible.'' He said garbage management, pollution control and development of green spaces were the priority areas for the Navy.

Vice Admiral Damle said the upcoming Naval Academy at Ezhimala, which would be commissioned in 2009, would be the prime example of infrastructure development co-existing with environmental conservation.

The high growth rate in urban areas resulting in huge demand for housing had thrown up huge associated problems like the collapse of civic amenities, climate change and traffic, he noted.

''Every year as our GDP grows by 9 to 10 per cent, our cities continue to grow in a haphazard manner, and the quality of life keeps on declining,'' he lamented.

The three-day event with the theme 'Conscious Urbanism' would be a platform for architects and planners from across the country to deliberate on urban planning and development.

UNI