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Urban Development Department signs MoU with SPA Delhi

Lucknow, May 29 (UNI) In a step toward strengthening urban development in Uttar Pradesh, the Urban Development Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi, official sources said here on Thursday.
Sources said that the agreement was formalised at the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies in Lucknow, under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "This initiative, supported by Tata Trusts, falls under the Urban Development Department’s Akanshi Nagar Yojana and aims to address the challenges faced by smaller urban local bodies in urban planning training and capacity building. For this, the Department will run special training programs for the officials of local urban bodies in collaboration with SAP, Delhi," they said.
Sources said that this initiative is an important step towards addressing the lack of urban planning expertise in smaller towns of UP. "Following CM Yogi's, the goal is to ensure that cities in the state grow in a sustainable and inclusive manner. The effort focuses on building a strong network of trained urban managers to deal with the unique challenges faced by smaller urban local bodies, such as infrastructure development, resource management and sustainable growth," they said.
Principal Secretary Urban Development Department Amrit Abhijat highlighted the importance of the MoU and said that it reflects the department's commitment to ensuring that no town, no matter how small, is left behind in the state’s journey of urban development. He said that the partnership will provide an integrated training programme, promote collaboration with state and regional institutions and offer special training manuals that reach the grassroots level.
Director of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi, Prof Virendra Kumar Paul emphasised the broader vision of the initiative. He said the MoU focuses on developing urban infrastructure across India and aims to create a pool of skilled urban managers who can help build sustainable, climate-resilient and culturally vibrant cities that make the country proud.
Sources said that the initiative ensures that development in local urban bodies aligns with the broader principles of inclusive urban growth. "The aim is to make sure that the benefits of development reach all urban residents, regardless of their social or economic background. Achieving sustainable urban development requires the participation of all stakeholders and attention to the diverse needs of communities within each local body," they said.
Sources said that the financial support from Tata Trust highlights the programme's potential to transform the urban landscape of the state. "By improving service delivery and planning processes, this initiative aims to create smaller towns that are more livable, accessible and sustainable," they said.
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