It was surprising to note that only 30 out of the 55 councilors (Parshad) of Udaipur Municipal Corporation (UMC) attended the workshop on “Integrating Heritage Resources in Master Plan of Udaipur” commenced on 19th Feb at the Rajasthan College of Agriculture campus.

A team of city planners from Strasbourg (France) and Mysore, engineers from various heritage conservation organizations and local administrative bodies including UMC and UIT were gathered.

It was also noted that while the UMC and UIT were inviting plans from professionals, the councilors of the UMC showed least interest in ‘Master Plan’. Approximately 40% of the councilors failed to attend the program, and post lunch the strength of the councilors reduced to a bare minimum, which was an embarrassing phenomenon.

The workshop was inaugurated by Rajni Dangi, Chairperson of the UMC. Other dignitaries included Rameshwar Prasad Sharma, Secretary UIT, and representatives from Strasbourg as well as from IHCN-F, Mysore.

In the initial sessions today evening, representatives from Strasbourg, presented development activities carried out in Strasbourg since the 18^th till date, while Govindan Kutty, CEO, IHCN-F detailed about the development of Mysore on grounds of preserving heritage and urbanization.

At the post lunch session, S.K. Verma, IFS (Retired), Principal Chief Conservator Forests, outlined the ‘Master Plan’ of Udaipur, issues related to its execution, the history of Udaipur and heritage buildings, natural heritage and common tourist spots.

S.K Verma said, “To execute the ‘Master Plan’, a joint effort of UMC and UIT is required, along with the inclusive support of the local public to a great extent”.

In last session, H.Sancheti , State Town Planner, Rajasthan, briefed about the rule and policies of the Government, both State and Central, and explained about things that need to be taken care in town planning, budgeting at various levels and the type of research required in the process.

Sancheti further said “in restructuring the town smoothly, the entire project should be divided into smaller yearly projects and it must also be ensured that these yearly projects are completed in their respective timelines.

Ranji Dangi had visited France twice, first in 2010 and then in 2011, and during her last year’s visit she had shared her vision of developing Udaipur on the lines of the city of Strasbourg, specially the drainage and cleaning systems. It is with this motive that this workshop was being organized.

All in all, it is important for the administrators to take interest and initiative in administering the proceedings of a self-administered program. Let’s hope this initiative comes to life and our appointed representatives take positive and structured action.