Michael Bloomberg soaks in Delhi life, talks of smart cities

This is one visit that has more to read ‘between the text’ than within it. The 108th Mayor of New York city, Michael Rubens Bloomberg’s visit to India began all well and on a note that perfectly synched with the overall expectations and atmosphere. Make no mistake; he is also the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change. So naturally, his interest in India has distant goals and short term ones.

And, his visit began well too. He rode a customary auto while in Delhi. Remember, be a Roman in Rome? And didn’t forget to tweet a picture just to set the note right. It would be a lucky day of the fellow who drove Bloomberg around in his green-painted CNG auto. The humble vehicle of India has been now discovered by the western businessmen to strike the right chords!

Bloomberg is in India to attend the Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet and Expo and also record his due submissions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his ‘confronting climate change’ initiatives.

While his last visit came after he was appointed the Mayor of New York in 2001, this visit is happening exactly 14 years later. He listed the reasons as to why he was going to India because the country’s role in climate change is rapidly growing. His visit was all about laying emphasis on a few aspects, seeking India’s significant role in sharing best practices relating to climate change.

In his own words, he accords India the position of a leader in its practices to confront climate change. India’s voice will be critical in the ongoing discussions that are a prelude to the UN Climate Change Conference due to be held in Paris this year. Bloomberg is working to build the support base for climate talks that have been gaining precedence in the recent years. And, yes, during his visit, he will also help PM Modi recognise the potential of working on such concepts and to understand the progress they have made so far.

Now, we do know what steps India has been taking with regard to solar power which has become some sort of a mainstream option among even average Indian homes, industries and commercial buildings.

While PM Modi reiterated his commitment to expanding India’s clean energy production, by way of setting larger goal in terms of boosting the share of solar power in India’s energy production from 1% to 10% by 2022. Now, the potential does not lie in solar energy alone. The US has set its eyes on an opportunity in the goal that comes as a rider. The aspect of providing electricity to millions of Indian homes, who live without electricity, sounds like a good thing waiting to be done.

Though the task is monumental and has layers and layers of planning before it is achieved, this is something that would serve as a model to other countries if it succeeds. So in that sense, India’s best practices can be shared with US as the crucial partner.

Now for the cake with all the cream on it. When he was elected as Prime Minister last year, Narendra Modi had made several announcements that got the pulse of the people all excited. Smart cities, and 100 of them across the country, was among one the most ambitious plans that would require huge infrastructure investment and participation on part of the government. While Modi’s government looks at foreign funding and participation in this, there is also immense opportunity for the players to have Indian government dole out mega amounts of largesse for this scheme which will have a long shelf life.

Road safety is another aspect that excites Bloomberg. His foundation has been working towards reducing deaths that are caused by various reasons including drunken driving, efficient monitoring of traffic and better solutions to congestion problems in cities.

Now for the focal aspect. India’s youth excite all countries which look for human resources with expertise and education. The sheer numbers are staggering with average Indian being less than 25 years old today, and this is bound to get younger with years passing by. When skilled labour is available in abundance, leveraging on their energy to create a better tomorrow would be the wisest thing to do. And, Bloomberg knows it too well!