Ministry of Urban Development

Government of India

Urban Transition in BRICS

3rd BRICS URBANISATION FORUM
Visakhapatnam, 14 - 16 Sep 2016

Brics
India 2016
Building Responsive,
Inclusive and Collective Solutions

Urban Transition in BRICS

3rd BRICS Urbanisation Forum 2016
14-16 September 2016
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

1
Urban Transition in BRICS

2

Message
Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu
Hon’ble Urban Development
Minister, Government of India
Urban Transition in BRICS
India has taken over the chairmanship of BRICS since February 2016 and will continue
to hold it till December 2016. My ministry is delighted and privileged to host the 3rd
BRICS Urbanisation Forum from 14th -16th September, at Visakhapatnam, Andhra
Pradesh, which is also one of the selected Smart Cities. The theme for this forum is ‘Urban
Transition in BRICS’. The agenda of the BRICS meetings has considerably widened since
the last few years to cover topical global issues where consultation has been found to be
productive for participating nations. Urbanisation is one of them.
The BRICS economies together have been projected to occupy far greater significance
among the world’s largest economies in the upcoming decades. This forum has been
established by BRICS Nations, for addressing common concerns. The BRICS nations are
called upon to support and promote integrated urban planning, transportation and
mobility, inclusive housing, urban environment, water and sanitation management.
These will be the sub-themes for discussion in this conference. The development of
smart cities is being seen by an increasing number of countries as a way to achieve the
goals of equitable access to infrastructure and basic services, access to housing and
mobility, and a safe environment.
With its commitment to common goals of urbanized countries, the Government of
India has initiated an urban transformation in India. Through the Smart City, AMRUT,
Swachh Bharat and HRIDAY missions, the Government of India intends to meet the
growing demands of our citizens. We can learn from other countries in BRICS which
have achieved higher levels of urbanization, and have built the capacity to deliver the
expected outcomes.
I take this opportunity to invite all Ministerial delegations, city stakeholders, mayors,
decision makers and practitioners to join the debate and enrich the dialogue to facilitate
exchange of ideas and experiences for the benefit of the BRICS cities.
I am confident that the conference will be an enriching experience for the participants
and wish it all success.
3
Urban Transition in BRICS

4
 Urban Transition in BRICS

Message

Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu

Chief Minister,
Andhra Pradesh, India

5
Urban Transition in BRICS
 Urban Transition in BRICS

Message

I am delighted that the 3rd BRICS Urbanisation Forum is being hosted by the Ministry
of Urban Development in partnership with Government of Andhra Pradesh at
Visakhapatnam on 14th -16h September 2016 on the theme of “Urban Transition in
BRICS”. This is aimed to trigger fruitful discussions on the selected sub-themes, such
as National Urban Agenda, Smart Cities, Financing Urban Infrastructure, Inclusive
Housing, Informal Economies, Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals and
Urban Environment, Resilient Water & Sanitation Management, New Towns and the New
Reform Agenda.

The BRICS partners, an association of five major emerging economies, together

comprise more than 3 billion people or 42 % of the world’s population. The level of
urbanisation in BRICS countries is 90.6 per cent in Brazil, 73.8 per cent in Russia, 62 per
Shri Rajiv Gauba, IAS cent in South Africa, 56 per cent in China and 31.3 per cent in India. India stands most to
Secretary, Ministry of
benefit from learning of the experiences of its partner countries. We also hope that the
Urban Development, India
partner countries will benefit from witnessing the transformation of Indian cities, such
as our host, the city of Visakhapatnam. This sharing of experiences and discussion of
alternatives highlights the importance of the urbanisation forum.

This Urbanisation Forum will ensure that key issues of urbanisation are placed on the
global agenda of the BRICS member countries. The conference will focus on building
productive and sustainable urban economies through exchange of ideas among various
stakeholders, from government, private sector, academia and civil society. It will be a
unique occasion to interact with urban experts, decision makers, mayors from various
metropolises of the world and open new avenues between cities and metropolitan
regions.

I am sure that the event will prove to be a useful platform for sharing knowledge and
enhancing the quality of life in cities. I wish the event all success.

7
Urban Transition in BRICS

3rd BRICS URBANISATION FORUM

STEERING COMMITTEE
1. Chief Secretary to Government 7. Special Chief Secretary
Chairman to Govt. (A&H)
Member
2. Principal Secretary
to Govt., MA & UD Dept. 8. Principal Secretary
Member Convener to Govt., Energy, I&I Dept.
Member
3. Special Chief Secretary
to Govt. Finance 9. Principal Secretary
Member to Govt, Tourism
Member
4. Secretary to Govt., Industries
Member 10. Secretary to Govt., IT Dept.
Member
5. Chief Executive Officer,
Economic Development Board 11. Commissioner, I&PR
Member Department
Member
6. Special Chief Secretary
to Govt., Agriculture 12. Director General of Police, AP
Member Member

8
 Urban Transition in BRICS

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
1. Collector and District 5. Inspector General of Police,
Magistrate, Visakhapatnam Visakapatnam
Chairman Member

2. Commissioner, GVMC., 6. Commissioner of Police,

Visakhapatnam Visakapatnam
Member Convener Member

3. Chairman, Visakha Port 7. Director, Airports

Trust,Visakapatnam Member
Member

4. Vice Chairman, VUDA,

Visakapatnam
Member

9
Urban Transition in BRICS
Planning and Organisation of
3rd BRICS Urbanisation Forum
The 8th Annual BRICS Summit, will be an international relations conference attended by the heads of
state or heads of government of the five member states Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The
summit will be held in Panaji, Goa in India, in October 2016 as part of its Chairmanship. The theme of
India’s BRICS Chairmanship is Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions.
Brics
India 2016
Building Responsive,
Inclusive and Collective Solutions
India has planned a series of events
during its chairmanship which
include the BRICS under 17 football
tournament, BRICS Film Festival,
BRICS Wellness Forum, BRICS Youth
Forum, BRICS Young Diplomats
Forum, BRICS Trade Fair, BRICS
Friendship Cities Conclave, BRICS
think tank and academic forum and
BRICS Urbanisation Forum.
10
Urbanisation Pattern in BRICS
BRICS, an association of five major emerging economies was
formed in 2009. The BRICS members are all developing or newly
industrialized countries and all five are G-20 members. They
are distinguished by their large, fast growing economies and
significant influence on regional and global affairs. The similarities
arise from rapid economic growth and collective economic
potential resultant of new industrialisation and liberalisation
policies. Together, the countries comprise more than 3 billion
people or 42 % of the world’s population, cover 29% of the world’s
land area on four continents, and account for approximately
20% of the global GDP. The level of urbanisation among BRICS
countries are 90.6 per cent (Brazil), 73.8 per cent (Russia), 62
per cent (South Africa), 56 per cent (China) and 31.3 per cent in
India. McGranahan and Martine (2012:2) observe that “the entire
developing world is in the midst of a global urban transition that,
together with economic globalisation, is shifting the economic loci
of development and the economic power is drifting southward,
most notably towards the large and emerging economies of the
BRICS”. However, as these are not geographically contiguous or
culturally similar countries, the growth patterns require in-depth
understanding to ensure achieving its collective potential in an
increasingly tumultuous global economic order.
The BRICS Forum was established in 2011 at the 3rd annual BRICS
summit in Sanya, China, and, the 1st BRICS Urbanization Forum
was held in New Delhi, India in February 2013 with a special focus
on Urban Infrastructure, followed by the 2nd BRICS Urbanization
Forum in November 2013 at Durban, South Africa under the theme
‘Towards Sustainable Urbanization’. The Urbanization Forums were
created with a focus on urban infrastructure to specifically discuss
various thematic areas within the umbrella of urbanization and
infrastructure.
The 3rd Urbanisation Forum with the theme ‘Urban Transition
in BRICS’ will ensure that key issues of urbanization are placed
on the global agenda of the BRICS member countries and the
thematic issues will focus on building productive and sustainable
urban economies and livelihood survival strategies in urban
environments as well as creating inclusive urban spaces. Also, all
these countries have been experimenting with various policies
addressing housing challenges, skilling and empowering the
marginalized sections, new town developments, harnessing
the power of technology through smart city interventions and
increasing public participation in local governance.

The Smart Cities conclave will share various examples of smart
urban growth models across the BRICS cities which are effective
integration of physical, digital and human systems in the built
environment to deliver a sustainable, prosperous and inclusive
future for its citizens. Inclusion, the right to shelter, and the
provision of sustainable housing and related services is one of the
key themes of the SDG agenda and is particularly relevant to BRICS
nations given expanding urban slums and an increasing demand
for sustainable housing. Housing and economic activity are
intrinsically interwoven especially for those sections of the society
which have limited access to several opportunities.
The Paris climate conference (COP21) of 2015, which resulted
in formalizing the first ever universal, legally binding global
climate agreement, identified specific areas of actions that cities
could embark upon. This has given a further push to the UN
new framework for guiding development between 2015 and
2030 known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global
Goals. The Goal 11 or Urban SDG aims to make cities and human
settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. The forum
will give a unique opportunity to review and share progressive
practices for institutional mechanisms to promote preventive
environmental management.
Infrastructural challenges for most of the BRICS cities extend
across transportation, energy, telecommunications, sanitation
and housing. With many emerging economies suffering from a
slowdown and capital outflow, the gap between infrastructure
needs and ability of the governments to deliver infrastructure
investments is getting ever wider. The Report on Indian Urban
Infrastructure and Services, 2011, estimates the investment for
urban infrastructure over the 20-year period at Rs 39.2 lakh crore at
2009-10 prices (approx. 583 billion USD) of which 20% is estimated
for water supply, sanitation and waste management requiring a
shift in the focus of policy from creating physical infrastructure
to delivering services. Reforming governance for service delivery
therefore assumes as much importance as the technical and
financial challenges of providing services. The Swachh Bharat
or the Clean India Mission estimates a cost of Rs. 62,009 crores
(approx. 9.2 billion USD) to be spent on various components of
sanitation and solid waste management in urban areas alone over
the next five years. Deliberations in the session on Cross Learning
on Water, Sanitation and Waste Management in BRICS will provide
an opportunity to deliberate on policy actions, fiscal reforms etc.
taken by member nations at both central and local levels to meet
the infrastructure investment needs.
As discussed in the World Urban Forum, 2004, the need for an
urban renaissance arises in an unprecedented context where
the majority of the world’s population is expected to be living in
urban areas. It has been estimated a major demographic change
is expected in the African and Asia continents. By the turn of
2016, it has been seen that 8 of the top 10 world’s cities with more
than a million population are in Asia. Urban renaissance calls for
decentralisation of powers and capacities of local governments
empowering them to pursue global standards or objectives, such
as the Millennium Development Goals and now the Sustainable
Development Goals. In India, Urban Renaissance has been
11
Urban Transition in BRICS
perceived through five pillars of policy interventions. These are a)
Empowering ULBs especially the Mayors, b) Public participation in
policy formulation and execution, c) Building Capacity to deliver
on goals, d) Changing urban planning structures and frameworks
and e) making ULBs financially self-reliant.
While the BRICS cities are presently plagued with challenges of
increasing demographies, economic growth and inadequate
infrastructure, for promoting sustainable development it would
be crucial to integrate measures in various sectors such as social,
economic, health, water supply, sanitation, housing, education,
environment, and so on, and, maintain a balance between
the desired objectives in each sector for improving economic
productivity and ensuring that such growth is environmentally
sustainable and equitable. The discussions from this will help
define the new reform agenda, more so in Indian context, which
will be reflected in the policy frameworks.
Strategic Cooperation
The underlying rationale of cooperation on urbanization between
the BRICS countries is to share urban knowledge, develop
mechanisms for peer-to-peer partnerships, promote evidence-
based policymaking and learn useful lessons from individual
experiences of ‘urban transition’. While the member countries
are distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies, they
differ vastly from one another in their urbanization trajectories,
and each BRICS country’s experience with urbanization has its
distinct characteristics. The growth of the secondary cities and
small towns due to being major investment destinations and many
other indicators, all reveal the agility of the urban land and labour
markets in BRICS cities.
Need for deliberation, sharing and
documenting
Since the BRICS countries have several commonalities and
collective bargaining power in the global economic order, the
deliberations on the urban transitions are critical. The degree of
urbanisation among the five countries is different and the cultural
and ecological impacts of an urban led economy are worth
understanding. The increased number of business partnerships
and diplomatic relations led by cities demand a cohesive
knowledge base that can improve local governance in the cities.
This will in turn help them to attract global capital and technology
required for enhancing their prosperity and liveability. Apart from
these, there are important global agendas framed through Sendai
Framework, SDGs and Paris Climate Agreement that demand a
lot of knowledge-technology transfer and shared learning. The
announcement of New Urban Agenda in Quito in October 2016
will accelerate national efforts towards achieving these global
commitments. Hence the city agenda within BRICS is going to
get empowered along with other agendas that are already well
embedded into the BRICS deliberations.  
Urban Transition in BRICS
About
BRICS
BRICS brings together five major emerging economies, comprising
42% of the world population, having 37% of the world GDP and
17% share in the world trade.
The acronym BRIC was first used in 2001 by Goldman Sachs in their
Global Economics Paper, “The World Needs Better Economic BRICs”
on the basis of econometric analyses projecting that the economies
of Brazil, Russia, India and China would individually and collective-
ly occupy far greater economic space and would be amongst the
world’s largest economies in the next 50 years or so.
As a formal grouping, BRIC started after the meeting of the Leaders
of Russia, India and China in St. Petersburg on the margins of G8
Outreach Summit in 2006. The grouping was formalized during the
1st meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of UNGA in
New York in 2006. The 1st BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg,
Russia, on 16 June 2009.
It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South
Africa at the BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York in Septem-
ber 2010. Accordingly, South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit
in Sanya, China on 14 April 2011.
12
Seven BRICS Summits have taken place so far. The 8th BRICS Summit
will be hosted by India during its Chairmanship in 2016. The earlier
Summits were held as under :
• 7th BRICS Summit – 8-9 July 2015 in Russia (Ufa)
• 6th BRICS Summit - 14–16 July 2014 in Brazil (Fortaleza)
• 5th BRICS Summit - 26–27 March 2013 in South Africa (Durban)
• 4th BRICS Summit - 29 March 2012 in India (New Delhi)
• 3rd BRICS Summit - 14 April 2011 in China (Sanya)
• 2nd BRIC Summit - 16 April 2010 in Brazil (Brasilia)
• 1st BRIC Summit - 16 June 2009 in Russia (Yekaterinburg)
Starting essentially with economic issues of mutual interest, the
agenda of BRICS meetings has considerably widened over the years
to encompass topical global issues. BRICS cooperation has two pil-
lars – consultation on issues of mutual interest through meetings of
Leaders as well as of Ministers of Finance, Trade, Health, S&T, Educa-
tion, Agriculture, Communication, Labour, etc. and practical coop-
eration in a number of areas through meetings of Working Groups/
Senior Officials. Regular annual Summits as well as meetings of
Leaders on the margins of G20 Summits are held.
 Urban Transition in BRICS

About
Ministry of Urban Development

In the federal structure of the Indian polity, the matters pertaining to

urban development have been assigned by the Constitution of In-
dia to the State Governments. The Constitution (74th Amendment)
Act has further delegated many of these functions to the urban lo-
cal bodies. The constitutional and legal authority of the Govt. of
India is limited only to Delhi and other Union Territories and to the
subject which State Legislatures authorise the Union Parliament to
legislate.

However, the Govt. of India plays a much more important role and
exercises a larger influence to shape the policies and programmes
of the country as a whole. The national policy issues are decided by
the Govt. of India which also allocates resources to the State Gov-
ernments through various Centrally Sponsored schemes, provides
finances through national financial institutions and supports vari-
ous external assistance programmes for urban development in the
country as a whole. The indirect effect of the fiscal, economic and
industrial location decisions of the Govt. of India exercise a far more named as Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation vide Doc.
dominant influence on the pattern of urbanisation and real estate CD-299/2006 dated 1/6/2006.
investment in the country.
The Ministry of Urban Development is headed by Shri M.Venkaiah
The Ministry of Urban Development is the apex authority of Gov- Naidu, Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development, assisted by Shri
ernment of India at the national level to formulate policies, sponsor Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Urban Develop-
and support programme, coordinate the activities of various Cen- ment. At the bureaucratic level, the Ministry of Urban Development
tral Ministries, State Governments and other nodal authorities and is headed by Secretary (UD), Shri Rajiv Gauba, IAS .
monitor the programmes concerning all the issues of urban devel-
opment in the country.

The Ministry was constituted on 13th May, 1952 when it was known
as the Ministry of Works, Housing & Supply. Subsequently it was
renamed as Ministry of Works & Housing when a separate Ministry
of Supply came up. The name of the Ministry was changed to Min-
istry of Urban Development in September, 1985 in recognition of
the importance of urban issues. With the creation of a separate De-
partment of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation on 8th March,
1995, the Ministry came to be known as the Ministry of Urban Affairs
& Employment. The Ministry had two Departments:Department of
Urban Development & Department of Urban Employment & Pov- Flagship Missions of the Ministry of Urban
erty Alleviation. The two Departments were again merged on 9th Development are
April, 1999 and in consequence thereto, the name was restored to
“The Ministry of Urban Development.” This Ministry was bifurcated Smart City Mission
into two Ministries viz. (i) “Ministry of Urban Development” and (ii)
“Ministry of Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation” with effect
from 16.10.1999.
Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation and
These two Ministries were again merged into one Ministry on Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
27.5.2000 and named as “Ministry of Urban Development and Pov-
erty Alleviation” with two Departments; (i) Department of Urban De-
velopment and (ii) Department of Urban Employment and Poverty Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)
Alleviation. From 27- 5- 2004, the Ministry has again been bifurcated
into two Ministries viz: (i) Ministry of Urban Development and (ii)
Ministry of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation vide Presiden- Heritage City Development and
tial Notification No.CD-160/2004 dated 27/5/2004. The Ministry Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)
of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation was subsequently

13
Urban Transition in BRICS

Profile
Andhra Pradesh State
Andhra Pradesh with a coast line of 974 km is bound on the North by Odisha and Chhattisgarh, on the
West by Telangana and Karnataka, on the South by Tamil Nadu and on the East by the Bay of Bengal.
Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Guntur, Kakinada, Nellore & Kurnool are some of the key cities in
the state. The most commonly spoken language of the state is Telugu, Hindi, English and Tamil are the
other languages used.

Andhra Pradesh, located in the Southern Peninsula in India is the
eighth largest state covering an area of 160,205 sq. km. The state
is tenth largest by population accounting for 4.1% of the country’s
population. The population has more than doubled in the last half
century from 2.32 crores in 1961 to 4.96 crores in 2011.
Andhra Pradesh is strategically located on the south-eastern coast
of India and is a natural gateway to East and Southeast Asia.
Vishakhapatnam, Vijaywada, Tirupati, Guntur, Kakinada, Nellore
and Kurnool are some of the key cities in the state. The number of
towns in the state has increased by 45% since 2001.
Faster urbanisation can be anticipated given proposed strategic
economic initiatives in the state such as proposed Capital City and
the industrial corridors in the region like the East Coast Economic
Corridor, Chennai Vishakhapatnam Industrial Corridor etc.

29.47 percent (1.46 crores) of the total population lives in urban
areas. Among all districts, Visakhapatnam and Krishna are highly
urbanised districts. Srikakulam and Prakasam are the least
urbanized districts.
There are 112 statutory towns and 83 census towns in the State.
Andhra Pradesh has abundant natural resources (barytes,
limestone, bauxite, and a number of minor minerals), fertile land
and river basins, water resources, extensive canal system and
conducive agro-climatic conditions. The State has the second
longest coastline in India and is also one of the largest producers of
marine products.

Map showing density of

persons in Andhra Pradesh
Districts

Map showing important

places of interest

14
 Urban Transition in BRICS

Profile
Visakhapatnam City
Visakhapatnam Smart City Plan focuses on resilience against climate change and a shift towards an
active lifestyle for its citizens.

Visakhapatnam, also called Vizag, is the largest city in the state

of Andhra Pradesh, both in terms of population and area. The
name Visakhapatnam is believed to be derived from the shrine of
God Visakha, built by a 4th century ruler of Andhra. Historically,
Vishakapattanam was considered part of the Kalinga region, and
later ruled by the Vengi kingdom, the Pallava and Eastern Ganga
dynasties. The present city was built around the 11th and 12th
centuries and has been ruled by the Chola dynasty, Gajapati
kingdom and the Vijayanagara empire, Mughals, French and then
the British, who controlled it until independence. During the 18th
century Visakhapatnam was part of the Northern Circars, a region
comprising coastal Andhra and southern coastal Odisha which was
first under French control and later British. Later, Visakhapatnam
became a district in the Madras Presidency of British India. After
India’s independence it was the largest district in the country,
and was subsequently divided into the districts of Srikakulam,
Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam. The city’s railway station was
Av9
called Waltair railway station during the colonial era, later the
name was changed name to Visakhapatnam. The neighbourhood
surrounding the station is still called Waltair. minerals, fishing, and information technology. It is the fifth busiest
port in the country and has the oldest shipyard on the east
Visakhapatnam is a land-locked harbour, connected to the sea by coast. Visakhapatnam is the headquarters of the Eastern Naval
a channel cut through Visakhapatnam. The city is nestled between Command, the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (a
the Eastern Ghats mountain range and the Bay of Bengal, and is DRDO Lab), a Chief Quality Assurance Establishment (CQAE), a
often known as “the jewel of the east coast”, “the city of destiny” Naval Dockyard (established in 1949) and Naval Bases. The defence
and “the Goa of the east coast”. The city is well connected by controlled Hindustan Shipyard in the city built India’s first ship Jala
road, rail, air and water and its beaches, parks, museums, and Usha. Visakhapatnam was ranked as the fifth cleanest city in India
proximity to areas of natural beauty have helped the city become a according to the government’s Swachhta Sarvekshan rankings. The
significant tourist destination. city has received the National Energy Conservation award in 2015.

Visakhapatnam’s economy ranks as the tenth-largest among

Indian cities and is fuelled by heavy industries, tourism, industrial

15
Urban Transition in BRICS
Previous BRICS Urbanisation Forum
The agenda of BRICS meetings has considerably widened over
the years to encompass topical global issues such as international
terrorism, WMDs, climate change, food and energy security, MDGs,
international economic and financial situation etc. Each year a
number of pre-Summit events/meetings are planned by the host
countries in the run-up to each Summit to enrich the Agenda at
the BRICS Summit.
In this context, the Urbanisation Forum isalso being convened
annually by the country, which hosts the BRICS Summit. The
first Urbanisation Forum took place in India in February 2013
with a special focus on urbanization and infrastructure, while
the second forum was held in South Africa in November 2013.
As part of the BRICS Forums, countries commit to share their
experience, their policy intentions, their lessons from practice, and
extending dialogue between their national, provincial / regional
governments, to further their goals of building productive and
sustainable urban economies.
The BRICS Urbanisation Forum works in conjunction with the
BRICS Friendship Cities and Local Government Cooperation
Forum in order to encourage linkages and exchanges between
local governments and national governments of BRICS countries
on urban development and local governance issues. The BRICS
Friendship Cities and Local Government Forum is a platform
for exchange of information, best practices and peer-learning
among cities, while the Urbanization Forums, were created with
Urbanization level of BRICS countries (1950-2050)
Source: United Nations Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. 2014 Revision
16
a focus on urban infrastructure, and to discuss various thematic
areas within the umbrella of urbanization and infrastructure. The
main aspects of the forums include dissemination of knowledge
and capacitation of sustainable urbanization processes. Further,
they emphasize the abundant opportunities for shared trade and
exchange of good practices.
The forums are thus not only starting points for the exchange of
ideas and experiences on urban challenges and solutions, but
also actors in international relations, able to launch cooperative
projects for innovative urban policy making. The Forums also
encourage active participation of local governments and city
officials and undertake joint efforts to promote the development
of their respective governments.
The second BRICS Urbanisation Forum and third Friendship Cities
and Local Government Cooperation Forum was held from 26 to
29 November 2013at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre,
Durban. The meetings were held under the theme “Towards
Sustainable Urbanisation”. The objectives of the conference were to
coordinate efforts to learn from best practices and access available
technologies to better manage and plan for the rapid rate of
urbanisation in the BRICS partner countries.The event provided
a platform for networking and exchanging of ideas. It brought
together senior government leaders and officials, city managers,
urban development managers and other important stakeholders
from around the world.
 Urban Transition in BRICS

17
Urban Transition in BRICS
Sessions Brief
National Urban Agenda
The session will review different paths taken
by the BRICS nations towards urbanisation.
Financing Urban
Infrastructure
This session is expected to discuss the
implications of the new establishments of
the New Development Bank (NDB) and the
Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) for
the international financial architecture and
for the domestic economies, particularly of
the BRICS countries.
18
BRICS Smart Cities
Conclave
“Smart Cities”, more than harnessing
technology, require consideration
of governance and growth, urban
development and infrastructure,
environment and natural resources, society
and community. An analysis of these issues
will provide a deeper understanding about
the new forms of human agglomeration in
BRICS
Inclusive Housing &
Informal Economies
Housing and economic activity are
intrinsically interwoven especially for
marginalised sections. The session will
deliberate the need for imaginative efforts
to integrate new livelihood opportunities
into urban spaces.

Climate Change, SDG &
Urban Environment
The session will review and share the
progressive practices from the member
countries on how they are redesigning
their internal systems to address the
transformative ideas embedded in the SDGs.
New Towns and Regional
Planning
This session will focus on rapid growth of
urban regions, regional urban system(s),
green field developments & coastal cities
management in BRICS countries.  between desired objectives in each sector.
19
Urban Transition in BRICS
Resilient Water &
Sanitation Management
in BRICS
This session provides an opportunity to
discuss the various policy actions, and
fiscal reforms in particular, taken by the
member nations at both central and
local levels to meet the infrastructure
investment needs.
Urban Renaissance:
New Reform Agenda
For promoting sustainable development
it would be crucial to integrate measures
in various sectors and maintain a balance
The session will focus on discussing a
development paradigm that meets the
3Es of sustainable development – equity,
economy and environment and is reflected
in the policy frameworks.
 Agenda

DAY 1 14.30 – 15.30

INAUGURAL SESSION

16.00 – 17.30
Plenary Session I on National Urban Agenda

20.00
Dinner hosted by Hon’ble Urban Development Minister

DAY 2 09.30 – 11.00

Plenary Session II on BRICS Smart Cities Conclave

Tea Break

11.30 – 13.00
Plenary Session III on Financing Urban Infrastructure

14.00 – 15.30
Breakout Session I on Inclusive Housing & Informal Economies
Breakout Session II on Climate Change, SDG & Urban Environment

20.00
Dinner hosted by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

DAY 3 09.30 – 11.00

Plenary Session IV on Resilient Water & Sanitation Management in BRICS

11.30 – 13.00
Plenary Session V on New Towns and Regional Planning

Tea Break

14.00 – 15.30
Plenary Session VI on Urban Renaissance: New Reform Agenda

16.00 – 17.30
VALEDICTORY SESSION

20

Key speakers
Shri. Venkaiah Naidu
Hon’ble Urban Development
Minister, Government of
India
K.V. Kamath*
President, New Development
Bank
Dr. Nikhil Agarwal
CEO, Innovation Society,
Government of Andhra Pradesh
Pavel Kochanov
Senior Municipal Finance
Specialist, International Finance
Corporation
Prof. A. Damodaran
India Institute of Management,
Bengaluru
Ann Bernstein
Executive Director, Centre for
Development and Enterprise
(CDE), South Africa
Prof. Roberto Luis
Montemór
School of Economics,
Federal University of Minas
Gerais
Prof. Weiqiang Wang
Professor, Tongji University,
China
Prof. Gang Liu
Professor, Tongji University,
China
Nara Chandrababu Naidu
Hon’ble Chief Minister,
Andhra Pradesh
Jin Liqun*
President,
Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank
Prof. Philip Harrison
South African Research Chair
in Spatial Analysis and City
Planning, Wits University
Prof. Doutor Álvaro
de Oliveira
President, Human Smart Cities
Network
Dr. P.K. Mohanty, IAS (Retd)
Executive Chair, Centre for
Good Governance, Hyderabad
and National Institute of Urban
Management, Hyderabad
Kamal Kishore
Member, National Disaster
Management Agency
Prof. Chaolin Gu
Professor, Tsinghua University
Prof. Jagan Shah
Director, National Institute of
Urban Affairs
Dr. Rômulo Paes
de Sousa
Director, World Centre for
Sustainable Development
(RIO+ Centre)
21
Urban Transition in BRICS
Shri. Arvind Panagariya
Economist, Vice Chairman, NITI
Aayog
Dr. Sameer Sharma
Additional Secretary and
Mission Director (Smart City
Mission), Ministry of Urban
Development
Prof. Pradipta Banerjee
Director, Indian Institute of
Technology Roorkee
Luiz de Mello
Deputy Director, Public
Governance and Territorial
Development Directorate,
OECD
Dr. Rajat Kathuria
Director & Chief Executive,
Indian Council for Research on
International Economic
Relations
João Octaviano
Machado Neto
Executive Secretary,
Housing, State Government
of São Paulo
Dr. P. V. Ramesh
Special Chief Secretary to
Government of Andhra Pradesh
for Department of Environment,
Forest, Science & Technology
Li Tie
Chairman and Chief Economist,
China Center for Urban
Development
Urban Transition in BRICS
Why Attend?
BRICS, an association of five major emerging economies (Brazil,
Russia, India, China and South Africa) was formed in 2009. The
BRICS members are either developing or newly industrialised
countries and all five are G-20members. They are distinguished
by their large, fast growing economies and significant influence
on regional and global affairs. The similarities arise from rapid
economic growth and collective economic potential resultant of
new industrialisation and liberalisation policies.
The BRICS annual summits bring together these five major
emerging economies, which have been projected to collectively
occupy far greater economic space and are expected to be
amongst the world’s largest economies in the next 50 years
or so. The theme of this year for India’s BRICS Chairmanship is
Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions. The 3rd
Urbanisation Forum with the theme ‘Urban Transition in BRICS’
is being organised by the Ministry of Urban Development,
Government of India and Ministry of External Affairs and hosted
by Government of Andhra Pradesh in Visakhapatnam from14-16
September 2016.
This event aims to coordinate efforts to learn from best practices
and access available technologies in order to better manage
and plan for the rapid rate of urbanisation in the BRICS partner
countries. The discussion will focus on themes such as urban
infrastructure, inclusive housing, urban environment, water and
sanitation management, climate change etc,
The forum shall bring together various stakeholders from the BRICS
countries including BRICS Ministerial delegations, representatives
of local governments, policy makers, academia, professionals,
private sector, media and various civil society groups.
Shri. Venkaiah Naidu Shri. Arvind Panagariya
Hon’ble Urban Economist, Vice Chairman,
Development Minister, NITI Aayog
Government of India
K.V. Kamath* Jin Liqun*
President, New Development President,
Bank Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank
22
The programme will contain the
following sub themes
• National Urban Agenda
• BRICS Smart Cities Conclave
• Financing Urban Infrastructure
• Inclusive Housing & Informal Economies
• Climate Change, SDG & Urban Environment
• Resilient Water & Sanitation Management
• News Towns and Regional Planning
• Urban Renaissance: New Reform Agenda
The forum would also see the announcement of the VIZAG
DECLARATION, which would highlight the key deliberations
and the way forward for the next forum. It is expected that the
outcomes of the BRICS Urbanization Forum, shall feed into the
deliberations of the 8th annual BRICS Summit that shall be held
from 15th to 16th October 2016 in Panaji, Goa.
Five reasons to attend
• To engage in a unique and major urban development event
which provides an opportunity to share learnings from five ma-
jor economies.
• To meet over 500 decision-makers and practitioners in the area
of urban sustainable development from India and from the five
countries.
• To have access to lessons, practices and smart ideas.
• To focus on action based projects and new policy initiates from
cities in these five countries.
• To participate in the ideal platform to develop your network of
contacts and identify potential project partners.
Nara Chandrababu Naidu
Hon’ble Chief Minister,
Andhra Pradesh
 Urban Transition in BRICS

Accommodation

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach provides the perfect

setting for any occasion. The extensive, modern and versatile
sea facing banqueting facilities with 11 dedicated conference
spaces can cater upto 1250 guests with ease. The courteous and
committed team will take care of the detail to ensure the guests
have a hassle-free and memorable time. The event will be held
at V-Convention, one of the largest Convention Centres in the
country with 11,200 sft magnificently designed column-free hall
besides giving the luxury of space also has highly sophisticated
and modern equipment to back it.

How to Reach
Travelling to Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam can be reached by rail, road and air. It is also
connected with many important cities by train. To reach
Visakhapatnam road transport is also available. Services for
which are provided by government as well as private operators.
Regular services are available to Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and
Bangalore, among other cities.
The Venue
Visakhapatnam Airport is located 12km East of Novotel
Visakhapatnam Varun Beach. From the airport, head east on GNT
road, turn left at the Scindia and continue onto Port Main road. At
the roundabout, take the third exit, turn left to Waltair road, then
make a right onto Nowroji road and at the T junction turn left onto
the beach. You will find Novotel Viskhapatnam Varun Beach on
your right hand side.
Travelling within Visakhapatnam
Buses, taxis and auto rickshaws are the usual modes of transport
for travelling within Visakhapatnam. Taxis are widely available in
the city and the charges are around INR 13 for every kilometer.
Auto rickshaws are a popular means of commute but do not run on
metre. So, the fare needs to be negotiated before boarding. There
are no extra night time charges.

STAR HOTELS in Visakhapatnam where rooms are available at special

rates for delegates and guests

Name of the Hotel Address

NOVOTEL Beach Road, Vsp-02

The Gateway Beach Road, Vsp-02

Grand Bay Beach Road, Vsp-02

The Park Hotel Beach Road, lawsonsbay Colony, Pedawaltair Vsp

Green park Waltair Mair Road, Vsp

Palm Beach Beach Road, Beside VUDA park, Vsp

Megalaya Hotel (P) Ltd. D.No. 10-4-15, Ramnagar, Asilmetta Jr. Vsp

Dasapalla Executive Court Near Raghavendra Swamy Temple, Waltair Main Road

Dolphin Hotels Near Jyothi Theatre,

Dwaraka Inn Station Road , Dwaraka Nagar

Fortune Inn Sree Kanya Daimond Park, Dwaraka Nagar

Hotel Dasapalla Near Jagadamba,

Quality Inn Bez Krishna Near Diamond Park, Dwaraka Nagar

R. R. Grand Dabagardens,

Royal Fort Hotel Opp. GVMC,

23
Urban Transition in BRICS
Places to visit
Kailasagiri Hills
The Shankham, Chakram and
Namam atop the hills glow at Night
and stand as sentinels watching
over the city of Vizag. The statues of
Lord Shiva and Parvati are a tourists
delight. An art gallery on the hills is
an added attraction.
Borra Caves
On the way to Araku are the
fascinating Borra caves, about 90
kms away from Vizag. A million year
old, these caves have magnificient
stalactite and stalagmite formations.
It has been iluminated with lights,
by the Tourism department of
Andhra Pradesh .
Anatagiri
The breathtaking hill station,
Anantagiri sheltered in the lush
undulating ranges of the Eastern
Ghats is 60kms from Visakhapatnam.
On the way to the Araku Valley, the
place is considered as a perfect
health resort. Ananthagiri is famed
for its extensive coffee plantations
and numerous waterfalls.
Ramakrishna Beach
This stretch of the sea which has
been developed is a virtual treat for
the tourists of Vizag. It is a tourist
destination in itself with various
statues, Kali Temple, Rama Krishna
Ashram, Submarine Museum,
Visakha Museum and various other
attractions along the road.
24
Araku Valley
This is 112 kms way from
Visakhapatnam and the valley is
situated at a height of 3,100 feet. The
journey to Araku valley is unique,
especially the train as one goes
through 46 tunnels. The lush green
valley is the perfect destination for
tourists who visit Vizag.
Dolphin’s Nose
About 175 meters in height and 358
meters above sea level, stands the
rocky promontory, called Dolphin’s
Nose. The Light House atop the
hillock glows at night from over the
mountain top.
Rushikonda Beach
Just 8 kms away from the city, this is
truly a tourists delight. This portion
of the sea is safest to bathe or surf.
The Government owned Punnami
Resorts offer rooms at reasonable
rates for tourists.
Ross Hill
The Hill is one of the most unique
Landmarks of Vizag with the Sri
Venkateswara Temple, The Roman
Catholic Church called Kanyamary
Konda and a Mosque called Ishaque
Madina all located at the same
place.
 Urban Transition in BRICS

25
Urban Transition in BRICS

Ministry of Urban Development Government of Andhra Pradesh

Maulana Azad Road, Rajpath Area L Block, Andhra Pradesh Secretariat
Central Secretariat Near Tankbund, Hyderabad - 500022, India
New Delhi - 110001, India Tel: +91-40-23456026, 23456604
Tel: +91-11-23061397 Fax: +91-40-23451861

Host City Organisation Knowledge Partner

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal National Institute of Urban Affairs
Corporation (GVMC) 1st and 2nd Floor, Core 4B, India Habitat Centre
Tenneti Bhavan, Ram Nagar, Visakhapatnam Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003, India
Andhra Pradesh, India Tel: +91-11-24643284/24617517
Tel: +91-891-2746301-7 Fax: +91-11-24617513
Fax: +91-891-2568545

26