116th Executive Committee Meeting of All India Council of Mayors Inaugurated in Surat

• Bilkul Online
• Surat | 13 Dec 2025

The 116th Executive Committee Meeting of the All India Council of Mayors (AICM) was inaugurated today at Hotel Park Inn by Radisson, Surat, in the august presence of the Chief Minister of Gujarat,  Bhupendrabhai Patel. The high-profile gathering marked a historic moment for Surat, as the city hosted mayors and municipal leaders from across the country.

Welcoming the dignitaries on behalf of the Surat Municipal Corporation,  Mayor,  Dakshesh Mavani highlighted Surat’s rich cultural, historical and civic achievements. Situated on the banks of the Suryaputri Tapi River and associated with the legendary saga of Daneshwari Yogdha Karna from the Mahabharata, Surat has emerged as one of India’s most progressive urban centres.

The Mayor noted that Surat has received several national recognitions for cleanliness, clean air initiatives and water management, and has been ranked as the cleanest city in India under the Super Clean City League in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25. He also recalled the induction of INS Surat, a modern Indian Navy warship, named in honour of the city’s maritime legacy. Known globally for diamonds and textiles, Surat is home to people from more than 20 Indian states, earning it the title of ‘Mini Bharat’, while exemplifying the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

The meeting is witnessing participation from over 37 Mayors and municipal representatives from 14 states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Sikkim and Telangana.

Addressing the gathering, President of AICM and Mayor of Karnal, Renu Bala Gupta, said that under the leadership of  Prime Minister  Narendra Modi and the guidance of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, urban governance in India is moving towards innovation and inclusive growth. She added that the Executive Committee meetings serve as an important platform for brainstorming and sharing best practices for holistic city development. Drawing a cultural connection, she noted that both Karnal and Surat are associated with the legacy of Karna.

Former President of AICM,  Ashutosh Varshani, informed that the All India Council of Mayors was established in 1962 and currently connects 264 mayors across the country. He stated that four executive meetings are held annually and that the Surat meet is the first meeting of the newly constituted Executive Committee. He expressed gratitude to the Gujarat Government, the Surat Municipal Corporation and all dignitaries for their support.

Speaking on the occasion, Gujarat’s Cabinet Minister for Finance, Energy and Petrochemicals, Kanubhai Desai, said that urbanisation should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a challenge. He highlighted Gujarat’s leadership in green energy, solar policy, sustainable water systems, STP plants, e-mobility and clean water initiatives, with municipalities actively contributing to environmental sustainability.

In his keynote address, Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel said that Gujarat has launched the Swarnim Jayanti Chief Minister Urban Development Scheme to ensure comprehensive urban growth through sound financial management. The scheme focuses on urban green mobility, social infrastructure and improved road networks to enhance ease of living. He highlighted Gujarat’s successful urban transport models such as BRTS Janmarg and e-city bus services, and iconic infrastructure projects like Surat Diamond Bourse and riverfront developments. He also underlined the roadmap of Developed Gujarat @ 2047, guided by the mantra of “Earning Well – Living Well”, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

The event was attended by several dignitaries including MP  Mukeshbhai Dalal, MLAs  Purneshbhai Modi,  Sangeetaben Patil and Pravinbhai Ghoghari, former Union Minister  Darshanaben Jardosh, Deputy Mayor  Narendra Patil, Standing Committee Chairman  Rajan Patel, and other senior officials including Municipal Commissioner  Shalini Agarwal, IAS, Police Commissioner  Anupamsinh Gehlot, IPS, and Collector  Saurabh Parghi, IAS, along with mayors from various states and members of the media.

As part of the programme, visiting mayors toured the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), visited the historic Surat Fort, and enjoyed a cultural programme. The delegation will also visit the Tertiary Treatment Plant and Lakshmipati Textile Unit tomorrow.

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