Hyderabad can start by getting rid of its trash: James Brainard

Carmel Mayor sees potential in Hyd as smart city

Hyderabad is a beautiful city and has done several things right. The outer ring road, landscaping and underground parking lots are something I am taking back with me,” said James Brainard, Mayor of Carmel in California, United States of America. This comes from a man who converted an obscure city into the third most livable city in the USA, all through eco-friendly means.

James is on a visit to India and was in the city after visits to New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Ranthambore National Park. In an interaction with the media on Tuesday he said that Hyderabad has a lot of potential to become a smart city but it would have to first start cleaning up the trash.

Stating that the road to success was not easy, he said that he had to deal with over 200 law suits while developing Carmel. “The road to an environment friendly city takes years of doing the right things and innovative methods could be the way forward,” said James.

Gas stations instead of being in the front could be taken at the back. Underground parking lots and houses built as per the taste of people and not match-box like structures go a long way said James.

It is not just providing facilities but also taking stringent action, for instance littering in Carmel could land one with US $400 (approx Rs 26, 400) fine.

While emphasising on green spaces, bike trails, walkways, roundabout intersections, solar panels for buildings, no sign boards and using small-time prisoners in cleaning up garbage he said that big cities, too can go the Carmel way by taking small steps.“It may take a few generations but even improving one per cent at a time is enough.”