Joshi meets Akhilesh; discusses plans to develop Kanpur as

BJP senior leader and Kanpur MP Murli Manohar Joshi today met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and discussed plan to develop his constituency as a defence hub.
"This important work can be done in Kanpur as Defence Minister (Manohar Parrikar) is now a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh and the City can be developed as a defence hub," Joshi told reporters here.
He said that there are four to five ordnance factories in the city along with HAL and IIT.
"At present Kanpur generates revenue of Rs 10,000 crore, if it is developed as a defence hub, this revenue could be around 20,000 to 25,000 crore," he said.

Joshi said that the state should take advantage of the new policy of the Centre.
"The Chief Minister said that it was an important point and land will be identified. His approach was positive and he showed enthusiasm. Moreover, the move will generate jobs in the state," he said.

The BJP leader said he also requested to include Kanpur in 'Clean City, Green City' scheme to which Akhilesh agreed.
When asked whether the Akhilesh government was copying the schemes of the Centre or was 'Clean City, Green City' was its own initiative, Joshi said "it was a good thing".
"Whether its initiative or copying, cities are being cleaned and it is a good thing. If any creative thing is being done whether its a copy or initiative its good," he said.

On a question regarding pollution in Ganga river in Kanpur due to release of industrial waste, he said the basic problem was flow of water is weak.
"Unless it is done in a mission mode, it is difficult to end pollution. Ganga is not like Thames river, which has no sand. Sandy banks of Ganga are considered to be most fertile. People take it lightly that the river has to be cleaned, but it is an extensive work. Fresh efforts have been started," he said.
Joshi said he has talked to medium and small industries minister for industries in the city.

"There is immense possibility in hosiery, plastic and perfume industries in the city," he said.