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France has made a significant announcement that is poised to strengthen the collaborative ties between the European Union and India. The announcement, which was made on the 31st of October, World Cities Day, comes in the form of a substantial €100 million loan. This financial support, a testament to international cooperation, is the result of an agreement between the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Government of India.
The driving force behind this partnership is to bolster India
According to an official statement issued by the Embassy of France in New Delhi, the CITIIS 1.0 program, which was first introduced in 2018, has already yielded positive results. It has been instrumental in supporting 12 city-level projects, empowering them to enhance their capabilities and implement forward-thinking solutions in various domains. These areas encompass sustainable mobility, public open spaces, urban e-governance, ICT, and social and organizational innovation in low-income settlements. From climate-oriented design strategies to the active involvement of urban local bodies and citizens, from the effective management of environmental and social risks to ensuring social inclusion, the CITIIS 1 program has paved the way for urban sustainability. Notably, the European Union has played a pivotal role in this program’s journey, providing technical support and a significant contribution of 6 million euros.
The second edition of CITIIS, known as CITIIS 2.0, continues to uphold the principles of its predecessor. However, it shifts its focus towards the critical issues of the circular economy
The significance of this partnership and investment is underscored by the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri. Indian cities are grappling with an increasingly daunting challenge: the management of solid waste. A staggering 62 million tons of municipal solid waste are generated in India annually, and this figure is projected to soar to 165 million tons per year by 2030. In response to this mounting challenge, the Government of India is actively supporting ambitious investments aimed at the proper collection, segregation, recycling, and treatment of this substantial volume of waste. It’s also noteworthy that the private sector is expected to play a significant role in addressing this issue.
Minister of State Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, in her statement, welcomed the agreement and highlighted the role that France, together with Team Europe, is playing in supporting this program. She emphasized that CITIIS 2.0 will play a pivotal role in building cleaner, greener, and more sustainable cities in India. The innovative approach of CITIIS not only addresses the health
Seppo Nurmi, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Delegation of the EU, added his perspective on the significance of this partnership. He emphasized the importance of sustainable models for urban development that can effectively address climate change and environmental challenges. He noted that the EU is actively mobilizing investments from Team Europe to create a transformational impact. India, in this context, remains a crucial partner under the Global Gateway Strategy, and CITIIS 2.0 serves as yet another project that underscores the mutual commitment to building sustainable and trusted infrastructure.
In conclusion, the announcement of a €100-million loan from France, in collaboration with the European Union, marks a significant milestone in the realm of international cooperation and development. This partnership will play a pivotal role in advancing India’s Smart Cities Mission and addressing the critical issue of solid waste management in Indian cities. It’s a testament to the shared commitment of both European and Indian stakeholders to create sustainable, resilient, and forward-looking urban environments, as we collectively strive to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century.
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