Seoul, Delhi etch pact to share expertise on 12 fields

Seoul, Delhi etch pact to share expertise on 12 fields

News

1. The Delhi government and Seoul Metropolitan Government has signed a “Friendship and Cooperation Agreement” in 12 fields including environment, transport, tourism, solid waste management and public health.

Important fact

2. Both cities will build a ‘twinning cell’ for easy communication and knowledge sharing.
3. Delhi has twice the population of Seoul and roughly thrice the area but common issues, it needs to be addressed mutually.

Current scenario

4. Transport

• Delhi  has no unified policy for transportation while, Seoul has already achieved setting up an integrated public transport system.

5. Waste management

• South Korea utilising its landfill gas to generate electricity, while Delhi has no waste management plan.

6. Waterbody revival

• In 2003, Seoul successfully initiated a $281 million project to remove a highway and restore the Cheonggyechan (a stream that cuts through Seoul). However in Delhi, multiple Yamuna Action Plans have failed.

7. Environment

• Delhi notified Graded Action Plan 2017 to combat severe levels air pollution. However In Seoul, public transport is free on days when pollution spikes and high parking charges.