The Hindu : New Delhi News : Call for “efficient management” of civic amenities

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 15, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Call for “efficient management” of civic amenities

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Stating that every citizen should have access to basic services and liveable habitats, President Pratibha Patil called for “efficient management” of civic amenities like water, electricity, sanitation and transport.

Speaking at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan where she released a commemorative first-day cover to mark the completion of 50 years of the Delhi Development Authority, Ms. Patil said Delhi was a growing city that demands the modernising of its infrastructure and the provision of basic facilities to all.

Seeking better living conditions for the poor, Ms. Patil said: “Healthy cities and urbanisation that is sustainable should be more inclusive and equitable. One of the greatest anomalies of growing cities is the co-existence of massive modern structures and sprawling urban slums. We can only call ourselves a civilised society if we look after the interests of each of our citizens especially the weakest and the poorest.”

She said it is imperative to ensure minimum standards of habitation, health and education for all disadvantaged groups and cities should work towards poverty eradication.

The President also called for designing urban infrastructure in a way that enables it to withstand natural disasters and ensure safety of the people. She said steps should be taken to curb the prevalent levels of pollution in the city. “Experience has demonstrated that technical intervention in planning, designing and construction of urban infrastructure can reduce vulnerability of societies to natural hazards. It should be the endeavour of city planners of Delhi to build earthquake resistant buildings as I am told that Delhi lies in an active seismic zone.”

The President suggested encouraging energy efficient and eco-friendly practices and said good governance was a hallmark of safe and secure cities.

“Cities that are secure and safe are a product of good governance. The rise in population and the stressful lifestyles are reducing tolerance levels. Whether it is the road rage, which has become a common occurrence or vigilante groups who are seeking to take the law into their own hands or the proliferation of disputes over relatively minor issues like parking places are symptoms of this growing intolerance.” Ms. Patil said transparency in governance and administrative processes should be seen as a tool for effectively curbing the menace of corruption and healthcare systems and education should be emphasised upon.

The President expressed optimism that Delhi, which is getting ready to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games will make India proud.

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