LUCKNOW: From affordable apartments and smart integrated traffic system to modernized street food carts, the New Urban India: Transforming Urban Landscape Conference-cum-Expo witnessed innovative concepts which were eco-friendly, budget-conscious and ensured optimum resource utilization.
Dozens of stalls at the expo gave a glimpse of future centric improved living standards in urban society.
For instance, going against the stereotype that high rise apartments are synonyms with expensive housing available only to the affluent, institutions like Lucknow Development Authority and UP Housing and Development Board showcased affordable housing of high quality.
LDA chief engineer Indushekhar Singh said, “Under PM Awas Yojana, we managed to construct apartments priced at just Rs 4 lakh. Despite low cost, we used advanced technology. For instance, instead of conventional mud brick, we used autoclaved aerated concrete (ACC) blocks whose base component is fly ash by which we managed to save 5000 metric tonne of fertile land. Further, we have used premium strength steel, which won’t break in an earthquake. The apartments have solar voltaic cell to generate power, marble and tiles for flooring. Further, we have a water harvesting system. During construction, we managed to save 6 crore litres of water because of new technology.”
Similarly, State Urban Development Authority (SUDA) put up modern street food carts loaded with various modern features available at Rs 1.4 lakh. The spacious cart has LED lights and massive storage compartments with attractive design.
According to SUDA, in the next few months, as a promotional campaign, the carts would be given to Lucknow and Gorakhpur based street-vendors.
Further, a Prayagraj-based company featured its pyrolysis technology to convert plastic into diesel used by furnaces. Technologies on rapid and eco-friendly transportation systems like electric buses and Metro trains were also featured with integrated advanced artificial traffic system.
