Odd-Even Norm Consequence Of Unsustainable Urban development: Minister

NEW DELHI, April 7: Imposition of 'Odd-even' car-rationing scheme in Delhi is a "consequence" of unsustainable urban development practices followed over the years, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said while asking all stakeholders to draw lessons from it. The second phase of the odd-even car-rationing scheme is set to to start here from April 15. "Imposition of the odd-even restrictions on vehicles in Delhi is a consequence of unsustainable urban development practices followed over the years and all stakeholders need to draw lessons from it," he said while addressing the National Workshop on Sanitation, organised by the Urban Development Ministry. Welcoming the initiative of 18 states which have come forward to make 400 cities open defecation free (ODF) by year end, Naidu asked why only these states are in the forefront in this regard. He said Gujarat has volunteered to make 79 cities ODF, followed by Madhya Pradesh (68), Andhra Pradesh (66), Maharashtra (60), Rajasthan (33), Chhattisgarh (32) and Telangana (14). Other states which will make less than 10 cities ODF include West Bengal, Haryana, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand. Two cities of Puducherry would be ODF by year end, besides Shimla and New Delhi municipal council areas. Naidu said, there is no place for politics when it comes to development. He also said the Urban Development Ministry has given full freedom to urban local bodies and states in formulation, appraisal and approval of projects, "unlike in the past when every project was appraised and approved in Delhi." Sunita Narain, Director of Delhi based Centre for Science and Environment(CSE), said 'Swachh Bharat Mission' is a welcome initiative as it is based on a holistic approach to sanitation. The two-day workshop, which is being attended by mayors, chairpersons, municipal commissioners and officials from 62 cities and towns from 22 states, will discuss strategies and technologies for making cities ODF, besides ensuring safe treatment and disposal of fecal matter, largely being released into environment untreated. -PTI