Netherlands Delegation Engages with Navi Mumbai on Urban Solutions

A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands visited the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) on March 12, 2024, to explore potential collaborations in key areas such as water management, solid waste management, and sustainable urban development. The meeting, led by Thijri van Helden, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Netherlands Consulate General, focused on advancing partnerships through pilot projects and technology exchange.

The discussions included engaging talks with Dr. Kailas Shinde, the Municipal Commissioner of Navi Mumbai. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to enhancing India–Netherlands cooperation, particularly in waste-to-energy initiatives and circular economy practices. Dr. Shinde highlighted Navi Mumbai’s ambition to become one of India’s most sustainable cities, stating, “We are eager to co-develop scalable urban models with global expertise.”

Collaboration on Urban Development Initiatives

The meeting included various senior civic officials, such as Additional Commissioners Sunil Pawar and Dr. Rahul Gethe, City Engineer Shirish Ardavad, and Chief Accounts and Finance Officer Satyawan Ubale. The Dutch delegation comprised representatives from the Netherlands Water Partnership, Netherlands Enterprises, and several technology firms specializing in water treatment and waste management.

During the visit, Mirjam van Boekem presented advanced water management systems, while Jacqueline Eckhardt Gerritsen discussed the importance of women’s participation in solid waste management. Van Helden commended NMMC’s urban initiatives, saying, “The Netherlands and Navi Mumbai share a common vision for sustainable, inclusive, and innovative urban growth. Our technical expertise, combined with Navi Mumbai’s development model, can help build stronger and greener cities.”

Site Visits to Key Projects

As part of their visit, the delegation toured significant NMMC facilities, including the Integrated Solid Waste Management Project in Turbhe and the Sewage and Tertiary Treatment Plants in Koparkhairane. They also visited a textile waste recycling center in CBD Belapur, where they praised the civic body’s innovative approaches to recycling and waste processing.

Dr. Shinde elaborated on the purpose of the visit, stating, “It was essentially a technology transfer between us. Our city has been planned using the Dutch method. The delegation was attending a trade fair that commenced on March 11 in Goregaon, and they visited us to observe our various projects. We have invited them to participate in our initiatives by contributing new technological solutions.”

The ongoing dialogue reflects a growing commitment to fostering international partnerships that can lead to sustainable urban development, ensuring that both Navi Mumbai and the Netherlands can learn from each other’s best practices.