TN looks to German tech to drive Chennai projects
According to secretariat sources, solar energy is also a subject where the TN is looking for joint ventures with Germans.
Chennai: Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Germany and his assurance that Indo-German pacts would move faster is all set to boost the TN smart city projects.
“TN is looking forward to German technologies to execute smart city projects and for solutions in waste management, river restoration and green energy. A high-level team led by housing minister Udumalai Radhakrishnan, slum clearance board MD Shambu Kallolikar and housing secretary Dharmendra Pratap Yadav will be visiting Germany this weekend,” Secretariat sources said.
“The visit is a follow-up to the Indo-German ties and the state has signed a MoU with the German government on strengthening infrastructure and housing policy.
A one on one meeting with German ministry officials has been scheduled next week”, said housing secretary Dharmendra Pratap Yadav. KFW and GIZ have been funding and technically supporting several projects in TN, including Chennai. Further, GIZ is working with the TN housing ministry and is associated with projects like smart city, skill India and clean India. TN is also looking towards German technology in addressing issues related to urban planning and clean energy, the top official added.
According to secretariat sources, solar energy is also a subject where the TN is looking for joint ventures with Germans. TN officials will leave for the Regional Congress on smart city projects in Germany and will return by the second week of June. More than 1,000 experts in urban planning, energy, economics and governance are to attend the event.
Banking major KFW is to fund the third desalination plant in Chennai and has been supporting the Chennai mega city project to strengthen storm water drains.