INDIA -IRAN DISCUSS CO-OPERATION IN URBAN SECTOR
India and Iran would explore the possibilities of
sharing their common experience in Municipal Administration, Metro
Transport Systems and other areas of mutual interest. This was
stated by, Minister for Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation
Shri Ananth Kumar during his 4 - day visit to Iran last week,
on special invitation from Iran's Minister for Housing & Urban
Development Mr. Ali Abdul Alizadeh.
The two Ministers discussed issues of mutual co-operation
including improvement of urban infrastructure of large cities
like Tehran, improvement of water supply and drainage system &
methods adopted by Iran, introduction of low cost housing for
the urban poor, development of integrated township. The Ministers
agreed that through NBCC (National Buildings Construction Corporation),
, an undertaking of the Ministry of Urban Development & Poverty
Alleviation, both the countries could take up projects of mutual
interest in Iran, India, Afghanistan and CIS countries.
Shri Ananth Kumar also met the Mayor of Tehran, Mr.
Malek Madani, and discussed various issues of bi-lateral cooperation
between the two countries. As a gesture of friendship, the Mayor
also suggested that one beautiful Land Scaped Park of Tehran would
be named Iran-India Friendship Park. Mr. Ananth Kumar also announced
that New Delhi would also have a park shortly, named India-Iran
Friendship Park. The Minister indicated that both the countries
would soon sign an MoU for development of urban infrastructure
and mutual cooperation between the two Governments & between
NBCC and Iranian companies.
During several interactions and meetings with Iranian
Ministers & Officers, NBCC was identified to take up works
in Iran in the field of Urban Infrastructure Low Cost Housing,
New Township Construction and in other CIS countries.
Secretary, Poverty Alleviation, Government
of India, Shri S.S.Chattopadhyay & CMD of NBCC, Shri Arup
Roy Choudhury, accompanied the Minister.