Even as the Spanish government on Monday submitted a plan for cooperation in developing smart and sustainable cities in India, Delhi and Madrid may soon become “sister cities”, sharing the technology and best practices in pollution control, water conservation and recycling and waste management.
Ambassador of Spain to India Gustavo de Aristegui met Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia over the week-end and discussed the issue of sisterhood agreement between the two cities.
The Delhi Government has already sent its concurrence for the move.
Spanish experts will be required to closely look into the issues confronting Delhi to have a better understanding of the problems the city faces.
Green policeWhile Mr. Aristegui explained the concept of “green police” which checks polluting vehicles in Spain, Mr. Sisodia told him that the availability of water was the most important issue for Delhi, for which Spanish assistance would be required.
A Spanish delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo submitted the draft memorandum of understanding for developing smart cities to Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu in the Parliament House. Spain has proposed to assist in developing Delhi as the first global and smart city in India under the framework of the MoU.
According to official sources, Mr. Naidu told the delegation that the Union Government would examine the draft MoU for further action in consultation with the agencies concerned.
