Pranab, Kalam to attend World Metropolis Congress

So far, 332 delegates from 49 countries had confirmed their participation, says GHMC Commissioner

The World Metropolis Congress scheduled to be held in the city from October 6 to 10 would have the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee and former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Speaking to presspersons here on Monday, GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar said Mr. Mukherjee would be in the city on October 9 and Mr. Kalam on October 7.

So far, 332 delegates representing 86 cities from 49 countries had confirmed their participation and the list of participants would touch the 500 mark soon, he said. Those registered for the Metropolis meet also included 61 Indian delegates from 20 States.

Mayors and Ministers from different cities along with experts will be participating in the event which would provide a platform to discuss various problems and developmental activities of urban areas, Mr. Somesh Kumar said.

Delegates would be taken to the sites where Rs. 5 food scheme is being implemented apart from visits to cover the Metro Rail project, PVR Expressway, Outer Ring Road, Falaknuma Palace and Hussainsagar lake.

All arrangements including accommodation, food and security for the large number of national and international delegates were being made in coordination with different government agencies such as police and others. The government has sanctioned Rs. 5 crore for the meet and GHMC has submitted proposals for sanction of Rs. 15 crore from the Centre.

Ex gratia

Mayor Mohd. Majid Hussain on Monday handed over an ex gratia cheque for Rs.1 lakh from his discretionary fund to the family members of S. Kishan Goud, who died after a lintel beam fell at a house under repair where he took shelter from rains, a press release said.

Mayor visit

The Mayor, during his visit, assured the residents of Vengalrao Nagar division on development of amenities such as streetlights, pathways, road widening and provision of sports equipments apart from special arrangements for Bathukamma festival.

He assured residents on getting their grievances redressed at the earliest after the locals represented issues such as conversion of TB hospital to general hospital, lighting at Krishna Kant Park for Bathukamma festivities and widening of road at Yadagiri Nagar.