Coimbatore's 'My Town, My Dream Project 2030' Aims to Shape District's Future Through Public Consultation
In a significant step towards participatory governance, Coimbatore collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar chaired a comprehensive consultative meeting on Saturday to assess the district's requirements for human resources and major development projects. The meeting, titled 'My Town, My Dream Project 2030', brought together officials from 36 different departments at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, with Coimbatore MP Ganapathy P Rajkumar in attendance.
Comprehensive Agenda for District Development
The meeting covered an extensive range of topics crucial to Coimbatore's future growth and sustainability. Key discussion areas included:
- Healthcare and nutrition initiatives
- Infrastructure development projects
- Rural and urban development strategies
- Art and cultural preservation
- Agriculture and rural livelihood enhancement
- Social finance and inclusion programs
- Educational reforms and improvements
- Environmental conservation measures
- Climate and sustainability planning
District collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar revealed that volunteers across Coimbatore district have been actively engaging with residents to record their feedback on existing government schemes and gather their aspirations for what the district should become by 2030.
A Unique Participatory Governance Initiative
Speaking to media representatives, MP Ganapathy P Rajkumar emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this initiative. "This scheme - My Town, My Dream Project 2030 - implemented by the chief minister allows officials to find out the needs of the district firsthand", he stated. "People could express their opinion on the current implementation and status of various government schemes. It is a one-of-a-kind initiative in India, where government policy is being framed by seeking public opinions directly from citizens."
Priority Infrastructure Projects Discussed
The meeting placed particular emphasis on several critical infrastructure projects that require urgent attention. MP Rajkumar stressed the need to press the Union government for:
- Implementation of the metro rail project
- Expansion of the airport facilities
- Development of Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital
"There is a need to expand the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital as well", Rajkumar explained. "The existing facility could be used only for outpatients, and the inpatient facility could be relocated within the city limits. Also, the city needs a government-run geriatric care centre. We have discussed these topics at the meeting. The public could also come up with similar opinions through this consultation process."
This innovative approach to governance represents a significant shift toward more inclusive policy-making, where citizen feedback directly informs development planning for Coimbatore district's future trajectory toward 2030.
