Pune: When we travel in our car or bike through the streets we just zip past, when we lower the pace and travel by bicycle we start to feel the street, but when we walk we start to gel with the street and understand the problems and aspirations of the people in the ecosystem. Therefore the concept of happy street should be replicated in other areas of PCMC as well opined Shravan Hardikar, Municipal Commissioner PCMC. He was speaking at the inauguration of Swedish Corporate Championship and Swedish Avenue. A street event was organized on the occasion which included Zumba, dance, meditation, drum circle, bicycle station and other activities. Consul General of Sweden Ms Ulrika Sundberg, MLA Laxman Jagtap, Standing committee chairman PCMC Seema Sawle, Corporator Asha Dhaygude were present on the occasion.
Shravan Hardikar said that we have started to lose connection with our streets as we just pass by in our vehicles. So happy streets which is a way to unwind in a child-friendly manner will help us enjoy the city as a place. He also added that the Swedish Avenue concept should be expanded from the current stretch of road adjoining Swedish companies till Nashik Phata. He added the Swedish companies should consider collaborating with Kasarwadi ITI which is for women in the similar way they have done with Aundh ITI and contribute to the skill development in PCMC
The Swedish Avenue in Pune will be a symbol of Swedish Values; innovations, recycling (eco-friendly) sustainability and technology. The Seva Nagar Street in Pune hosts three corporate giants of Sweden in India- SANDVIK, ATLAS COPCO and ALFA LAVAL, since the last 60 years and they together with other Swedish companies have contributed in building up the Indian economy. The Swedish Avenue is also a Smart Street which is an extension of the smart city initiative, showcasing Swedish solutions for the beautification and maintenance of the streets.
A typical Swedish smart street will have; solar power poles, air pollution information, recycling systems & waste management systems, recycled benches, cycling pathway, vehicle connectivity, smart transportation, information signage’s, pavements for pedestrians, CCTV, electronic boards, etc and the Swedish Avenue will aim to have included of the above.
The street will be painted in white, yellow and blue. Additional trees and flowerbeds will be added and maintained. Apart from this, Swedish art, designs, and exhibitions will also be showcased wherever possible.
Speaking about the event Ms Ulrika Sundberg, Consul General of Sweden, Mumbai said “Renaming Sveanagar to Swedish Avenue is a token of recognition of the contribution that Swedish companies have bought to Pune over the last half-century. It is great to see that Swedish companies in Pune have taken this initiative of making the Swedish Avenue into a smart street. A key priority for us is to ensure that the street remains sustainable while offering an attractive and inspiring environment. Pollution, traffic, lack of pavements and loss of green spaces are just some of the daily trials that people have to deal with whilst walking on the road on their way to work. With the help of our Swedish companies and their innovative solutions, we hope that Pune will see one of the finest, smartest and cleanest streets in the city. With the creation of this smart street, we look forward to further collaboration where we can provide Swedish solutions to the smart city initiative of the Indian government”
Mr Parag Satpute, Vice Chairperson, Swedish Chamber of Commerce India and Managing Director, Sandvik Asia said “Swedish companies have made Pune their second home and several have been here since the fifties. We look forward to further contribute to the development of Pune and turn the Swedish Avenue into a showcase of what we do best; innovative sustainable solutions for the future. The Swedish Corporate Championship kicked off on Sunday 29 October is another initiative for sustainability! We look forward to the camaraderie and spirit of sportsmanship along with promoting fitness and well-being during the games taking place in November. Organized by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce India under the patronage of the Consulate General of Sweden in Mumbai together with nine Swedish companies – I think we are starting a new tradition here and now.”
