Have to preserve nature while undertaking development: Gujarat CM in Vadodara

Earlier, we used to fight Pakistan; today, we also have to fight America, said Bhupendra Patel

Lauding the recently introduced GST reforms by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Patel said that the changes were the “need of the hour”.

While claiming that the rising water in Vishwamitri that had caused last year’s floods in Vadodara had “largely been taken care of”, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday said that the increasing intensity of floods was a consequence of neglecting nature.

“The moment monsoon begins, everyone’s attention is focused on the Vishwamitri river. However, it appears that this year, there won’t be much of a problem due to the rains. We have completed the majority of the work (on the Vishwamitri flood-mitigation project) and whatever little is pending, will be completed by next year,” said Patel, who was speaking at the Elets Urban Innovation & Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Vadodara on Saturday. The event was organised by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) in association with Navrachana University.

Patel emphasised on the need to focus on preserving nature while carrying out development. He said, “We should not fight against nature, we have to preserve nature while undertaking development. Global warming is due to the fact that we don’t usually care about the environment. If we do not take care of the environment, we will have hard lessons to learn. Covid made us realise the value of oxygen. Even those with money could not get oxygen, one had to leave their money behind and depart (the world) due to the lack of oxygen.”

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Lauding the recently introduced GST reforms by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Patel said that the changes were the “need of the hour”. “Earlier we used to fight Pakistan; today, we also have to fight America. Modi ji has always said that his strength lies with the 140 crore people of the country,” he added. The CM urged citizens to opt for indigenous products for the upcoming festivals of Navratri and Diwali.
Patel, in his speech, emphasised that the city administration should look into news reports highlighting civic issues in a constructive manner.

At the event, Municipal Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu said that urban transformation could be achieved at a greater speed if there is cooperation between academia and industries.

At the event, the VMC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) for cooperation, innovation, capacity increase and sustainable urban development as well as knowledge exchange and technology sharing. In a statement, the VMC said the MoU was a milestone and would strengthen urban governance in the near future.

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