The 14th edition of Municipalika 2017 sets new benchmarks in urban development

Navi Mumbai, May 18, 2017: Municipalika 2017 held at the CIDCO Exhibition Centre from 18th to 20th May, 2017, provided the largest platform for players in the industry where they were able to connect with dealers, influencers, service providers, business investors, and government representatives. Municipalika is providing an opportunity to buyers, distributors, service providers in the smart and sustainable city solutions to connect, and is providing a wide exposure to the exhibitors to network.

The event inauguration was graced by Mr. V.  Suresh, Advisor, Good Governance India Foundation, Former CMD, HUDCO, Mr. Sudhakar Sambhaji Sonawane Worshipful Mayor, Navi Mumbai Municipalika Corporation, Mr. Koh Lin Ji Group Director, International Development Group Building and construction Authority, Singapore, Mr. Durga Shankar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, Mr. R Roshan Baig, Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development and Haj, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Pawan Arora, Director of Local Bodies and Joint Secretary, Government of India, Mrs. Maya Singh Hon’ble Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Government of Madhya Pradesh, H. E. Mr. Nadir Patel High Commissioner of Canada in India amongst others.

During the inauguration, the key speakers shed light on the activities carried out at both international and national levels, where they highlighted new plans and policies to aid and develop rural and urban areas. The announcement of Smart Cities by the Government and the ensuing work already done around it, has created the necessary momentum to introduce another 40 new Smart Cities in India by June 2017.

Along with the development of Smart Cities, would be allied projects that would provide basic services (e.g. water supply, sewerage, urban transport) to households’ and build amenities in cities which will improve the quality of life for all. Project Amrut, is being developed with a vision to provide water through the facility of tap to every household by the year 2019. Taking the water aspect and its severity with the new challenges being faced, rain water harvesting should be a priority which should be a part of all upcoming and existing housing developments. To manage water crisis, initiatives to have bore wells in the country, will help the farmers to avoid draught.

The importance of connectivity has grown and the dependence of public on transportation has grown. With the increased demand, the government of India has laid down a trail of 200 kms for the Metros and another 500 kms are proposed.

The three day Conference and Exhibition, with the theme of ‘Smart and Sustainable City Solutions’ will be providing an opportunity to showcase the best solutions for various challenges faced by growing cities of India. Municipalika Exhibition segment is one of the biggest in the country, with over 150 exhibitors showcasing technologies, equipment, products, software and solutions for Smart and Sustainable Cities, which covered all facets of urban and housing development and building construction activities.

Over a period of three days, Municipalika will be hosting not only the exhibition but conferences on various subjects that are of concern in the building and development of smart and sustainable cities, some of which include , Sustainable Built Environment And Communities,  Connected Cities For Efficient Urban Mobility, Inclusive And  Humane Cities For Housing For All,  Digital Cities  For The Enabling Frame Work And ICT Supporting Back Bone Infrastructure,  and  Integrated And Self-Contained Cities.

The Expo is expecting to see over 1,000 participants from 300 cities in India, Canada, and Singapore. The Government of Maharashtra is the Host state, and the event will be supported by Government of India and its ministries of Urban Development, New and Renewable Energy, Electronics and Information Technology, etc. Canada and Singapore will be bringing forth their rich global experience of decades in creating sustainable and vibrant smart cities with the best practices in planning, design, execution and good governance of cities.

“With Vancouver being the 3rd most liveable city in the world, we want to bring these innovative solutions to Indian cities. India is a priority market for companies from British Columbia and we are forging partnerships with several states, cities and municipalities”, said Joel Fernandes, Director, Trade and Invest British Columbia.

The co-located CAPEx (Construction, Architecture, and Planning & Engineering Expo) segment captured the leading building materials, technologies and construction equipment for structural, non-structural, finishing, building and plumbing services. Green building products which are environment-friendly and energy saving found an important place in the CAPEx segment.

Besides the presence of a large number of senior government officials, ULBs, urban parastatals, utilities etc, which have been the USP of Municipalika, there was also a strong focus on private sector stakeholders like real estate developers and builders, system integrators, consultants, EPC contractors, and professionals like architects, engineers, and urban planners attended Municipalika, and specially the co-located CAPEx segment.