Special training programs to equip local municipal officials; initiative to foster inclusive and sustainable development in small towns.
Lucknow — In a significant step towards enhancing urban development across the state, the Urban Development Department of Uttar Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi. The agreement was formalised at the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies in Lucknow, under the aspirational urban planning initiative supported by Tata Trusts.
The MoU aims to address urban planning challenges faced by smaller urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state. Through the partnership, SPA Delhi will assist the Urban Development Department in conducting specialized training programs for municipal officials to build capacity and improve planning practices across tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
A Major Step Towards Inclusive Urban Growth
This initiative marks a crucial move by the Yogi Adityanath government to provide global-standard urban development in even the smallest of Uttar Pradesh’s cities. It emphasizes the principles of inclusive and sustainable growth, ensuring that no city, regardless of size, is left behind in the development journey.
According to Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, the MoU reflects the state’s strong commitment to equitable urban growth. “This partnership will offer an integrated training framework, promote collaborations with state and regional institutions, and support the creation of training manuals tailored to the realities of ground-level planning,” he stated.
Focused Training for Sustainable Solutions
SPA Delhi Director Prof. Virendra Kumar Paul highlighted the broader scope of the initiative, stating, “Our vision is to create a cadre of empowered urban managers who will help shape resilient, climate-sensitive, and culturally vibrant cities that reflect the true potential of India.”
The training will not only cover technical aspects of infrastructure planning but also focus on resource management, community inclusivity, and sustainability—key challenges that smaller towns are currently grappling with.
Bridging Expertise with Practical Experience
The partnership is designed to integrate the academic expertise of SPA Delhi with the field-level experience of the Urban Development Department, offering a unique blend of knowledge and execution. It aims to improve service delivery and urban planning mechanisms, laying the foundation for more liveable, accessible, and future-ready small towns.
Tata Trusts to Provide Financial Backing
Tata Trusts’ financial support underscores the transformative potential of this program. The initiative is expected to significantly uplift urban landscapes by enabling local bodies to plan and execute with precision and modern tools.
Present at the MoU signing were Ajay Kumar Shukla, Secretary of the Urban Development Department; Anuj Kumar Jha, Director of Urban Local Bodies; Shikha Srivastava from Tata Trusts; and Poonam Prakash from SPA Delhi, along with other dignitaries.
As Uttar Pradesh gears up for a more structured and inclusive urban future, this collaboration promises to be a cornerstone in shaping small cities into efficient, equitable, and sustainable urban spaces.
