Ahmedabad emerged as the epicenter of urban innovation with the 74th National Conference of Town and Country Planners, hosted by ITPI at Karnavati Club on SG Highway. The February 6 event opened at 9:30 AM under the auspices of Housing Secretary Katikithala Srinivas.
Dignitaries like Minister Darshana Ben Vaghela from Gujarat, advisor Keshav Varma from UP, and ITPI President Pradeep Kapoor attended, fueling debates on the theme ‘Strategic Regional Planning Towards Viksit Bharat.’ Focus areas included optimizing urban densities sustainably, fostering inclusivity, and future-proofing cities for population surges in finite areas.
Vaghela underscored the imperative: ‘Scientific town planning is non-negotiable for managed urbanization. Dialogues covered cutting-edge infrastructure, green zones, traffic solutions, affordable housing, and public facilities.’
In conversation with media, Srinivas lauded Gujarat’s strides as replicable success. ‘PM Modi’s deep vision anticipates 50% urban populace fueling 75-80% GDP with youth energy. Central government collaborates ceaselessly with local leaders; events like those led by Minister Manohar Lal propel structured urban evolution.’
The conference crystallized a roadmap for resilient cities, aligning with national goals for a prosperous, developed India.