Equi-City Launches City Development Forum in Nagpur
Launch ceremony of City Development Forum (CDF) under Equi-City Project
EQUI-CITY cell along with Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) constituted City Development Forum (CDF) to improve dialogue between the citizens of Nagpur and city government, and enhance the quality and outreach of the municipal services rendered. AIILSG and UCLG-ASPAC along with other partner organizations are implementing the Equi-City project in Nagpur, India. The project is funded by the European Union. Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping (India) Nitin Gadkariwas was the chief guest at the CDF launch event. Renowned environmentalist from Nagpur City, Dr. Girish Gandhi was appointed as the convener.
The core group of CDF has representation from different sectors concerning urban management. A dedicated team from NMC has also been selected to regularly interact with the CDF for implementing the group’s suggestions for the benefit of locals. The launch event was inaugurated by newly elected Mayor of Nagpur Nanda Jichkar. The Mayor called for the involvement of youngsters in making the city beautiful. Nitin Gadkari addressed the valedictory session and praised the concept of participatory governance model taken up by NMC under Equi-City project. Gadkari said, "Citizens’ feedback is very important to ensure that the future development roadmap of the Orange city matched the aspirations and needs of the populace." Gadkari asked officials in NMC to involve locals as much as possible in the planning and implementation process of city development schemes. He suggested setting up a 'think tank' at NMC so that for next ten years the roadmap can be drawn up and implemented accordingly. Girish Gandhi, the convener of the forum, proposed that the CDF must select a particular area of the city for implementing its ideas or solutions. This will work as a pilot project and help in convincing people that groups like CDF can deliver fruitful results by collaborating with local governments. It will also help in scaling up the project easily in other areas. He stressed on preparing communication materials in the local language for building better rapport and connection with people. The launch of CDF has provided a platform for diverse practitioners and people from various fields—drawn from civil society, business, designers, artists, academic institutions and government—to identify strategies and approaches that promote urban livability and resilience. CDF will also address the conditions that are inhibiting proper livability conditions and equitable distribution of services in the city. It will also encourage the citizens of the city to participate in the forum by creating peer-to-peer learning that will enhance the livability and sustainability of their city, and beyond. Using one to one interaction and digital media tools, the forum will stimulate innovation between the government officials and citizens of the city, and provide a solid base to build Equi-City.
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The impacts of the forum will include new synergies between the community, institutional and public sectors/government sector; urban planning, design and infrastructure development; gender; safety and security; mobilization of local innovation; municipal services and utilities; transport and mobility in the city and participatory governance models that more effectively respond to the urban challenges of resilience and livability. It will benefit the citizens, women and under-represented communities, and minority communities by making them part of the Inter-city forum and CDFthus making them part of the participatory governance process. CDF will help stakeholders inform, educate and sensitize wider set of stakeholders on diversity and delivery of municipal services. The key issues within the participatory forum will help local authorities and stakeholders to form collaborative solutions. Further, the forums help strengthen the initiative through feedback received on various issues faced in the target area. The functioning of the Equi-City cell, which will be on a collaborative basis, will be able to execute the project with the help and support of CDF. Equi-City cell catalyses the efficient delivery of municipal services with an increase in demand from citizens. Contributor: Abhishek Pandey, All India Institute Local Self-Government