Panaji, November 21, 2024: The CITIIS 2.0 Circular Economy Industry Workshop was inaugurated today, with Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) hosting over 200 delegates from across the country who are part of the CITIIS 2.0 Program, focusing on integrated waste management, climate-oriented reforms, and strengthening institutional frameworks for effective urban governance.
The two-day event at the Panaji Smart City headquarters near the Mandovi River represents a significant step in IPSCDL’s vision to position Panaji as a model of urban sustainability and innovation under India’s Smart Cities Mission.
In his address, the Chief Secretary of the Govt. of Goa, Dr. V. Candavelou, said, “The CITIIS 2.0 program represents a significant step forward in advancing urban sustainability by fostering a circular economy, implementing state-level climate reforms, and driving innovative waste management solutions. Goa’s achievement of making Panaji a landfill-free city is a testament to the power of sustained effort, strategic planning, and behavioral change. This transformation required nearly two decades of commitment and collaboration, demonstrating that sustainable waste management is achievable through dedication and patience. Solid waste management is a growing global challenge that demands innovative, scalable solutions. Through CITIIS 2.0, we aim to establish best practices and create frameworks that other cities can follow. By leveraging expertise across sectors and fostering strong partnerships, this program has the potential to set global benchmarks in waste management and urban resilience. I commend IPSCDL for hosting this important event and providing a platform to drive impactful actions toward a sustainable future.”
The MD & CEO of IPSCDL, Mr. Sanjit Rodrigues, said, “The CITIIS 2.0 program underscores our strong commitment to sustainable urban transformation, tackling climate challenges through collaboration and innovation. With the support of the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), and the German Development Bank (KfW), we are focusing on waste management, climate reforms, and sustainable infrastructure. We have successfully implemented 100 decentralized composting stations and a 16-way waste segregation system to ensure efficient waste treatment. Our urban mobility is being enhanced with 40 EV charging stations and a 2.5-kilometer pedestrian-cycling track under AMRUT. Additionally, 3,500 streetlights have been upgraded to LEDs, and the Solar City Master Plan targets a 10% reduction in energy use. These efforts are in line with India’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future for Panaji.”
A distinguished lineup of speakers at the inaugural session on Thursday featured Mr. Naim Keruwala, Program Director of CITIIS, who made a presentation on CITIIS 2.0, Mrs. Smita Singh, Senior Program Manager of the European Union, and Mr. Manoj Sharvar, Director of the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
Delegates from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Agartala, Amaravati, Bareilly, Jaipur, Srinagar, Madurai, Rajkot, Thiruvananthapuram, Rajkot, Kolkata, and many others are attending in large numbers. The visiting delegates will tour Panaji to view the development works under the Smart City Mission and visit sites of Panaji’s solid waste management initiatives.
During the workshop, there will be two dynamic panel discussions on Unlocking Development Finance Opportunities for Sustainable Waste Management and Industry Perspectives on Waste Management Solutions.
CITIIS 2.0 (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain) is a national program launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the Smart Cities Mission to foster sustainable urban development across India. Building on the success of its first phase, CITIIS 2.0 focuses on promoting a circular economy through integrated waste management projects, implementing climate-oriented reforms at the state level, and strengthening institutional frameworks for effective urban governance. The program emphasizes evidence-based planning, innovative solutions, and strategic investments to address urban challenges such as climate change, solid waste management, and resource efficiency. Supported by financial and technical assistance, CITIIS 2.0 seeks to create scalable, sustainable models that can be replicated across cities, contributing to India’s broader goals of climate resilience and sustainable urbanization. The program also fosters collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring inclusive and impactful solutions for a sustainable urban future.
