French Consul General offers ‘sister city’ status to Nagpur
For the first time, Nagpur may become ‘sister city’ of a foreign nation and may receive liberal contribution from the developed country to ensure development at par with international city. During his visit to city on Tuesday, Francois Pujolas, Consul General of France in Mumbai and Head of Economic Mission, France, has expressed interest in this novel arrangement with Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).
Pujolas visited NMC and met with Aseem Gupta, Municipal Commissioner. He took detailed information from Gupta about the various projects done or underway by NMC. Commissioner informed him about various projects of NMC including Bhandewadi Sewage Treatment Plant, waste water supply agreement with thermal power stations, proposed thermal power station, 24×7 water supply scheme, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) projects, education, health and other projects. Aseem Gupta talking to The Hitavada informed that Pujolas expressed his interest to enter into ‘sister city’ concept with NMC considering the similar geographic conditions. He also showed keen interest for this concept. If this concept materialises between France and NMC, there will be exchange of ideas, concepts, schemes, plans and possible avenues of co-operation in field of infrastructure, education and culture. Besides, the officers and office bearers of NMC may go to France to study about their novel plans and ideas or the officers of France may come here for the same. It is a good concept of development and many cities of India are having such concept with Foreign nations, informed Gupta. Pujolas also paid a visit to office of Mayor Maya Iwnate where he also met Anil Sole, Ruling Party Leader and Krishna Khopde, Standing Committee Chairman. Corporators Baba Maind, Prakash Totwani, Kailash Chute, Habibur Rehman Ansari, Sudhakar Kohale, Vinayatai Fadnavis and Sanjay Jaiswal were also present. Pujolas had an informal interaction with Anil Sole about the political scenario of Nagpur. He asked about the political parties and candidates for Lok Sabha. He also obtained information about the public representatives in Nagpur. Pujolas is Consul General of France in Mumbai and looks after four states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Goa. He will meet a France national working on some project in local Museum of State Archaeological Department.
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