Learning from Developed Cities for Sustainable Development of Bharuch and Ankaleshwar" Bharuch, Guajart, May 5, 2012 at Bharuch, Gujarat

Organized by: 

- Bharuch Ankleshwar Urban Development Authority (BAUDA)

- Bharuch Citizen's Council (BCC)

Date: 5 May 2012

Venue: Bharuch, Gujarat

The twin cities of Bharuch and Ankaleshwar are located on banks of river Narmada in Gujarat with a population of about 3.5 lakhs in 2011. Large petro-chemical based industrial development has taken place around these cities. Although the city region has see substantial indudtrial growth, physical and social infrastructure development has not kept pace with the industrialisation. Concerned, the citizens of these cities have set up a Bharuch Citizens Council (BCC) to catalyse development in the cities.

Recognising the need, the Government of Gujarat has also set up a Bharuch Ankaleshwar Urban Development Authority (BAUDA) in January 2012. BAUDA and BCC organized this seminar on May 5, 2012 in Bharuch to discuss issues in twin city development, as well as learning from cities that have promoted a sustainable development model. The conference was well-attended by local elected represenataives, state officials, and over 200 represenataives of local municipal bodies, architects, builders, traders, educationalists, industrialists, environmentalists, etc.

Presenations were Mr. Mr. S. J. Haider, MD Gujarat Urban Development Corporation, Dr. Bimal Patel Architect Ahmedabad, Mr. Rutul Joshi CEPT University, Ms Swati Buch GIDB, and Prof Chetan Vaidya, Director NIUA on challengs and potential for twin city development. A need for technical support and experience sharing with other cities and organizations was expressed by BAUDA and BCC.