Focus on building inclusive, green cities, says ADB President

Asia must focus on building inclusive, green and resilient cities, said Takehiko Nakao, President, Asian Development Bank (ADB), on Thursday, adding that the ADB is firmly committed to supporting India’s 100 smart cities project.

“The use of technology and intelligent systems will include urban services for the poor, including sanitation and affordable transportation. To make cities greener, they must become energy and resource efficient through promotion of low carbon development and smart use of land and water,” Nakao said. He was speaking on ‘Solutions for Inclusive, Green and Resilient Cities’ at the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit.

Governments need to invest more in mass transport systems and waste water management, Nakao said, adding that decision makers should consider natural hazards and climate change risks in designing cities and urban infrastructure. Relatively small up-front investment can save lives and avoid infrastructure rebuilding costs and rehabilitation costs later, he said. However, there are three main challenges, he said. “Rapid urbanisation also means urbanisation of poverty. Asia accounts for about 60 per cent of the slum dweller population. Second, environmental sustainability remains a major concern. Cities struggle with air and water pollution, solid waste management, among others. Third, vulnerability to climate change should also be understood,” Nakao said.

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