On Friday, December 13, the news agency LatestNewsX reported that Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted how a deep‑rooted economic and social revival of cities—paired with smart, sustainable planning—forms the bedrock of the Prime Minister’s ambition for a self‑reliant India.
While opening the 116th National Executive Meeting of the All India Mayors’ Council in Surat, Chief Minister Patel addressed a gathering that included mayors from 16 states and Urban Development and Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai.
Patel reminded attendees that in 2005, during Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Gujarat declared the “Urban Development Year,” which marked the start of a modern urban growth model. After twenty years of progress, the state now celebrates 2025 as another “Urban Development Year,” propelling cleanliness campaigns and forward‑looking city planning.
He explained that the state has launched the Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Urban Development Scheme, which prioritises physical infrastructure, social amenities, green urban transport, and roadwork to raise residents’ quality of life. Patel also noted Gujarat’s pioneering initiatives, such as the BRTS Janmarg and E‑City bus services, and highlighted iconic projects like the Surat Diamond Bourse and Riverfront that symbolize urban advancement.
The chief minister stressed that the creation of nine new municipal corporations is accelerating development in smaller towns, supported by larger city bodies. He outlined Gujarat’s roadmap for “Developed Gujarat” by 2047, tied to the guiding principle of “Good Income, Good Life,” and aligned with the national vision of a developed India by that year.
Minister Kanubhai Desai urged the mayors to view urbanisation as a chance for growth, underscoring the importance of water management, sanitation, housing, education, sewage treatment, and green energy. He added that Gujarat has already reached 48 % urbanisation, aiming for 75 % by 2047. All India Mayors’ Council President Renubala Gupta praised Gujarat’s model as a benchmark for other states in building clean, smart, citizen‑friendly cities.
General Secretary Ashutosh Bhai elaborated on the Council’s role in bolstering urban development nationwide. Surat Mayor Daksheshbhai Mavani highlighted the city’s success in cleanliness, water management and air quality, noting that Surat has earned several national accolades and continues to inspire its peers.
The event drew a wide array of attendees, including MPs, MLAs, former ministers, municipal commissioners, district officers, deputy mayors, and senior leaders such as Mukeshbhai Dalal, Praveenbhai Ghoghari, Purneshbhai Modi, Sangeetaben Patil, Darshanaben Jardosh, Shalini Agarwal, Saurabh Pardhi, Narendra Patel, Rajan Desai, Paresh Patel, Shashiben Tripathi, Dharmesh Vaniyawala, and other officials from the Surat Municipal Corporation.
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