Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said that cities are the drivers of economic growth and all sections of people living in the cities need to be provided with adequate housing and other essential amenities.

Addressing the gathering after laying foundation stone for the World Trade Center at Nauroji Nagar and redevelopment of Netaji Nagar General Pool Residential Accommodation Colony, said that it is a matter of pride and satisfaction for him to be a part of the foundation stone laying ceremony of the projects which were conceptualised and took shape when he was the Housing and Urban Affairs Minister.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C), Hardeep Singh Puri and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that besides providing housing to all citizens, there is a need to create good infrastructure to cater to the needs of the burgeoning population. We must also ensure that the development is sustainable by protecting our environment and resources, he added.

Naidu added that there is a need to build green buildings and promote energy efficient and smart mobility solutions for optimum utilization of scarce resources and spaces. 

There is also a need to promote the concept of green and energy efficient buildings in a big way and create greater awareness among the citizens, he said.

The Vice President said that the projects initiated today are aimed at providing better quality of life to citizens and spur economic growth. Cities are the drivers of economic growth and all sections of people living in the cities need to be provided with adequate housing and other essential amenities, he added.

Saying that India is witnessing urban renaissance following the launch of Smart Cities Mission, the Vice President said that apart from improving quality of life, Smart Cities also seek to provide clean and sustainable environment.