Shankar Mahadevan offers support to Navi Mumbai’s ‘smart city’ effort

Noted composer and playback singer Shankar Mahadevan has offered support to Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) initiative to make Navi Mumbai a smart city.

Addressing a gathering from the NMMC’s ‘Smart City War Room’ at the civic agency’s headquarters in Belapur yesterday, Mahadevan said, “I love Navi Mumbai and I am proud to be a part of this city. The city has always inspired me to aim higher.”

Volunteering to help the agency in its efforts, the three-time National Award winner shared his ideas and vision for developing a smart city with NMMC Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare and other officials.

Having travelled across the globe, Mahadevan said he has observed management of cities closely and gained knowledge of ‘smart concepts’ that set a city apart.

To transform Navi Mumbai into a ‘Smart City’, the musician suggested an efficient garbage disposal system, use of smart cycles and adapting other technological advancements.

“I don’t mind travelling to and fro from Navi Mumbai for work because the calm and serene atmosphere I enjoy here is unparallelled. The city has always inspired me to aim higher and achieve the right musical notes. I have evolved with the city and consider Navi Mumbai my anchor,” he said.

Elated at Shankar’s keen support for Navi Mumbai’s nomination for Prime Minister’s smart city challenge, Waghmare said, “The NMMC team heartily embraces Shankar’s global vision for Navi Mumbai and etching the city of the future based on technological and civic advances for its residents.”

While competing with 98 other cities in India, Navi Mumbai wishes to claim the title of ‘Smart City’ under the new campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Smart cities need uninterrupted power, water, proper sanitation, efficient management of solid waste, decongestion of roads and last mile connectivity.

To become a ‘Smart City’, the civic body realises the need to adopt smart solutions and smart governance.

“NMMC aims to establish Navi Mumbai as an example for both citizens as well as other cities around the world to emulate. A place where everything we want to achieve will come together: eco-friendly and sustainable environs, efficient infrastructure and an enviable lifestyle,” Waghmare added. PTI COR GK

Inputs by PTI