Private sector and non-government organisations have a key role in carrying forward urban planning and sustainable initiatives outlined by the policy makers, according to Phanindra Reddy, Secretary Urban Development.

Cities change with time due to economic opportunities, entrepreneurial spirit and long term policy.

One challenge is continuity – people with dynamism occupy important positions but leave work incomplete due to imperatives of government systems. It takes time for persons in key positions to learn on the job. It is important that efforts to improve are not just initiated but sustained. What is needed are systems to ensure that experience and lessons are shared to ensure a well managed city. Institutions and the corporate sector that participate in develop can contribute in this process.

Reddy, addressing a day-long seminar on changing Cities - Building Opportunities organised by the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry said forums such as the Chennai City Connect are working on urban planning with public agencies in urban planning and transport. Works is on to restore and secure 40 lakes identified in the city in public private partnership.

MCCI's Sustainable Chennai Forum should identify projects for implementation. They should be solid models and projects in the field to showcase sustainable practices before scaling them up to city level. MCCI should get into this mode, he urged.

T. Shivaraman, President, MCCI said the Chamber sees sustainable Chennai in a business context - develop a business case for sustainable development and create action plans. Sustainability is key to business development and gains significance in the context Growth of cities has been constrained for too long but urban growth is inevitable. What is needed is planning and managing urbanisation better.

Mike Nithavrianakis, Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, said low carbon development is a key focus for the UK as climate change is a formidable challenge. The UK is taking multiple steps to address emissions and can share experiences with partners. AS the sixth largest market for low carbon goods and services, leader in offshore wind generation, the London array, east of London will be the largest wind farm globally. Soon 175 turbines will power 5 lakh homes. A second phase will soon see 180 turbines more to generate over 870 MW power to energise nearly 7 lakh homes.

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