Udaipur, November 28, 2024 - Representatives from Udaipur Smart City Limited (USCL) and Udaipur Nagar Nigam actively participated in the CITIIS 2.0 Circular Economy Industry Workshop held on November 21-22, 2024, at the Panaji Smart City headquarters, Goa.

(Read news in Hindi here.)

This workshop, organised as part of the Cities Investment to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain (CITIIS) 2.0 initiative, aimed to foster industry awareness and engagement in circular economy practices while promoting sustainable urban development.

The workshop brought together smart city officials from 18 cities, State representatives from seven States, industry experts, businesses and academic institutions. USCL was represented by Krishnpal Singh Chauhan, Additional CEO, Mukesh Chandra Pujari, Superintending Engineer, Chandraprakash Jeenger, Solid Waste Management Expert, and Pushpendra Shrivastav, Chief Construction Manager.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Sanjit Rodrigues, Managing Director of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd., who highlighted Panaji's innovative waste management practices, such as decentralised waste processing and effective integration of the informal sector. Key presentations were delivered by prominent stakeholders, including Naim Keruwala, Programme Director for CITIIS, who detailed the programme’s objectives, and Smita Singh from the European Union, who discussed EU’s role in supporting the initiative through expertise and funding.

The workshop featured engaging panel discussions on topics such as unlocking development finance for sustainable waste management and industry perspectives on waste management solutions. Experts from leading organisations, including NTPC VVNL, ONGC Green and Blue Planet Environment Solutions, shared innovative approaches to waste-to-energy technologies, infrastructure development and circular economy strategies.

Additionally, a Shark Tank session provided start-ups with a platform to pitch their innovative waste management solutions to senior government officials, fostering potential collaborations.

Participants also undertook site visits to key waste management facilities, including the Hindustan Waste Treatment Pvt. Ltd. Bio-CNG plant in Saligao and a residential complex with advanced segregation and resource recovery systems. These visits showcased best practices in decentralised waste management and emphasised the role of technology and community participation in achieving sustainable urban goals.

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Naim Keruwala, underscoring its importance in enabling Smart City authorities to prepare comprehensive project proposals under the Cities 2.0 initiative. Through active engagement and knowledge sharing, USCL aims to incorporate these insights into Udaipur’s urban development projects, furthering the city’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices.