A broad consensus on including the needs of all sections of society and striking a balance between various interest groups emerged at a round table discussion on ‘Setting up a Metropolitan Planning Committee for Bangalore,’ organised by CIVIC Bangalore on Saturday.

The discussion was presided by heads of various civic agencies, civil society groups and elected representatives.

Calling for the effective utilisation of intellectual capital that the City is known for, Prof B K Chandrashekhar, Chairperson, Karnataka Legislative Council said, while Bangalore has gained fame for rapid strides in the software sector and is home to the most prestigious of institutes in the Science and Defence sectors, its utilisation for betterment of Bangalore in providing infrastructure is missing.

“As member of the City Urban Management Committee, a decade ago we had proposed vehicle free zones in the central areas of Bangalore,” Mr Chandrashekhar suggested.

Delivering the chairperson’s address, Dr A Ravindra, Deputy Chairperson, Karnataka State Planning Commission said emphasis on the metropolitan planning committee should focus on its composition and planning.

BDA Commissioner Shankarlinge Gowda said, a need to nurture ‘Brand Bangalore’ is necessary. “The City is second to Tokyo in the world when it comes to growth in commercial space.

Principal Secretary, Urban Development, Jyothiramalingam speaking on conservation of water opined on the possibility of re-cycling of rain water flowing through storm water drains.

Barun Kumar Ray, Secretary, Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee, spoke on the 74th Constitutional Amendment and co-ordination between various local bodies in Kolkata.