RWAs stress on sustainable urban development

The United Federation of Resident Welfare Associations (UFER WAS) organised the Second National Conference of Resident Welfare Associations in the weekend at Paryatak Bhavan, Greenlands.

There was representation from 17 states and all the 10 districts of Telangana at the meeting. NVS Reddy, MD, Hyderabad Metro Rail, inaugurated the conference and expressed happiness over the conference. He assured best deals involving RWAs in Metro Rail related activities. He also inaugurated a photo gallery of various activities and appreciated the RWA's efforts in taking up civic issues for better life and welfare of the residents. More than 400 members were present during the event.

Dr Rao VBJ Chelikani, president, U-FERWAS, said, “The conference highlighted the work carried out by various resident welfare associations across major cities. Detailed sessions on topics such as Swachh Bharat, role of RWA in community building, model apartment laws, solid waste management, appropriate urban transport for emerging cities, building micro-communities, political empowerment of RWAs, RTI, legal empowerment of RWA, etc, were held.

Around 100 delegates from Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Kerala, UP and other places shared their RWA experiences. The assembly of delegates forged a new mechanism for social transformation and ideas for colony development. The thrust of this conference was on new urban mixed culture which stressed upon improving the quality of life with voluntary efforts in the midst of the complexities of modern life.

A document on National Policy of RWA’s and their role in urban management and participation was adopted at the end of the conference which is a comprehensive document. The same would now be presented to various states and the Centre to bring about changes to sustainable urban development.”