Chennai: Chief minister M K Stalin on Friday sought investments in the green economy as the state is gearing up to set up sustainable habitats to tackle challenges posed by climate change.
“The Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission is taking initiatives to establish sustainable habitats. It is not just a social responsibility to make cities sustainable, but also an economic opportunity for industries. I urge the industries to invest in green economy such as electric transportation and sustainable development,” he said at the CII South India annual convention here on the theme ‘Infra South: Crafting Liveable Environments in Indian Cities’.
Stalin also sought collaboration with industry in smart city solutions and infrastructure development projects.
“The government is poised to develop world-class infrastructure along with the industries sector. This will enhance economic growth and protect the future generations,” he added.
Tamil Nadu is a pioneer in green initiatives, he said, adding that the policy on electric vehicles had transformed the state into a centre of EV manufacturing. Tamil Nadu is taking efforts to collaborate with global pioneers to create solutions for the next generation in clean energy, he added.
Being the second largest economy in the country, the state contributed 12.1% to India’s industrial GDP. Also, Tamil Nadu witnessed an 8% growth in the past three years. Tamil Nadu should not be compared with other states but compared with developed countries, he said.
The chief minister said, Coimbatore, Trichy, Hosur, Madurai, Salem and Tuticorin are emerging as economic hubs. “We are preparing master plans for 136 cities,” he added. Earlier, he released a report on green and liveable cities in Tamil Nadu, outlining a roadmap to enhance urban sustainability, attract investment and improve the overall quality of life.
He also launched phase-II of Project Puthiya Payanam, Valarchiyai Noki of CII-Centre of Excellence for Employability and Livelihoods (CII-CEL). It aims to empower 1,000 micro-entrepreneurs across the state within a year. This initiative, backed by the private sector, particularly the TVS Group, focuses on employment generation and strengthening small businesses, a statement from CII said.