JAPAN
INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION
AGENCY
NEWSLETTER
April to June 2023
Events/Workshops
• Workshop on JICA’s Technical Cooperation for Station
Area Development along Mumbai - Ahmedabad High
Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor
• The First Achhi Aadat (Good Habit) Campaign Session
in Bodh Gaya with Yakult and FC Nono
• 12th edition of the Annual Workshop of JICA Assisted
Forestry & National Resource Management Projects
held in Shimla
• Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Project – Connecting
Mumbai to Mainland
Special Days
• On World Earth Day, JICA reiterates its commitment to
investing in quality solutions for a sustainable future
Media Highlight
CONTENTS
1. Workshop on JICA’s Technical Cooperation for Station Area Development along
Mumbai - Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Corridor
Delhi, May 8, 2023: Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA), Ministry of Railways (MoR), Government
of India and National High Speed Rail Corporation
Limited (NHSRCL) held the first workshop under
Technical Cooperation (TC) Project for Station Area
Development along Mumbai - Ahmedabad High
Speed Rail project. The objective of this TC is to
enhance the capacities of both Maharashtra and
Gujarat State Governments, Municipal Corporations,
Urban Development Authorities and NHSRCL to
plan development of surrounding areas around
MAHSR stations in order to enhance accessibility and
convenience of commuters and other stakeholders
and to promote economic activities. This seminar was
organized by MoHUA to provide a common forum
to all the stakeholders involved in this TC project
to come together, understand the approaches,
concepts and ways forward for this TC project.
Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Railway (MAHSR)
Project shall cover 508 km between Mumbai and
Ahmedabad, and shall include 12 station located at
Mumbai (BKC), Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Bilimora,
Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad
and Sabarmati. In the TC Project, Japanese experts
will share Japanese experience and assist Indian
counterparts to plan the modalities for the transit
function of stations and Station Area Development.
It is based on the concept of Transit Oriented
Development (TOD) and it is envisaged to promote
urban and transport infrastructure development
including the access road and station plaza.
Especially, Japanese experts will support Indian
counterparts to prepare station area development
plans for 4 stations namely Thane, Virar, Surat and
Sabarmati as model stations. It is expected that this
partnership would lead not only to development
of surrounding areas around MAHSR stations, but
also to promotion of Transit Oriented Development
(TOD) and Station Area Development in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori,
Chief Representative, JICA India Ofce said,
“MAHSR project is a symbol of Japan-India
collaboration, contributing to India’s first High
Speed Rail project by introducing Japan’s High
Speed Rail technology. Under the project, Japan
can provide not only engineering and construction
technology of High Speed Rail, but also share various
experiences of Japan regarding new city planning
and development around high speed rail stations.
In Japan, we have various successful experiences of
developing Smart and Vibrant urban area around the
stations by harmonious coordination and planning
amongst different stakeholders such as railway
operators, local governments, private companies
and citizens in the area. Under this TC project, we
would like to share these Japanese experiences
and knowledge with our Indian counterparts. I am
confident that both Indian and Japanese side could
work together closely for successful completion of
this project.”
JICA has been supporting the project for the
Mumbai - Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail by Providing
ODA loans of JPY 650,000 million (approximately
INR 40,000 crore) in total since 2017. The objective
of the Project is to develop a high-frequency mass
transportation system by constructing the High-
Speed Rail between Mumbai and Ahmedabad,
using Japan’s Shinkansen technology (also known
as the «Bullet Train»), thereby enhancing mobility
in India and contributing to regional economic
development.
Coverage:
The Hindu
The New Indian Express
EVENTS / WORKSHOPS
2. Mumbai Trans Harbour Link Project – Connecting Mumbai to Mainland
Mumbai, Maharashtra, May 24, 2023: Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joined the
ceremony organized by the Mumbai Metropolitan
Region Development Authority (MMRDA),
celebrating the establishment of the connection
between the island of Mumbai and mainland of Navi
Mumbai through the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
(MTHL), the new marine road across the Mumbai
Bay. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Government of
Maharashtra Shri Eknath Shinde and Hon’ble Deputy
Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis graced the
event with their presence. JICA has been providing
funds for the approximately 22km long trans-
harbour link, and MTHL is expected to be completed
and operational by the end of 2023.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori,
Chief Representative, JICA India said, “The MTHL
Project is one of the most important and iconic JICA
supported projects, connecting the island of Mumbai
to Navi Mumbai. This project has been the dream of
the people of Mumbai, a complete game-changer
which not only reduces the travel time between the
two sides of the bay to one-fourth but also increases
socioeconomic opportunities for the people.
We are elated to have worked with MMRDA and
be part of this project of the century which uses
advanced engineering solution from Japan, and we
look forward to the day we can enjoy and celebrate
the new Trans Harbour Link with the people of
Mumbai.”
The MTHL Project entails the construction of a 22
km-long marine and land approach road that will
connect central Mumbai with Navi Mumbai across the
Mumbai Bay. In order to address environmental and
navigational challenges in the bay area, orthotropic
steel deck, which has lighter self weight but stronger
structure compared to concrete or composite
girders, was implemented for the first time in India
with the involvement from Japanese companies,
namely IHI Infrastructure Systems Co. Ltd. and JFE
Engineering Corporation. The road is expected to
reduce the travel time between the two sides from
about 60 minutes to 16 minutes, contributing to
smooth traffic flow, accelerating growth in Navi
Mumbai, and creating greater economic integration
in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. JICA has signed
loan agreements with MMRDA in three tranches,
respectively on March 31, 2017, March 27, 2020, and
February 27, 2023, and has extended a cumulative
total of 242,459 million Japanese yen in ODA loans
(approximately INR 15,100 crore) for the MTHL Project.
Coverage:
The Hindu
The Times of India
3. 12th edition of the Annual Workshop of JICA Assisted Forestry & National Resource
Management Projects held in Shimla
Shimla, May 25, 2023: The Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) participated in the 12th
edition of the Annual Workshop of JICA Assisted
Forestry & National Resource Management Projects
in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
The workshop was organised by the Himachal
Pradesh Forest Department, under their Project for
Improvement of Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystem
Management and Livelihoods (PIHPFEM&L) to foster
partnerships and cooperation in sustainable forest
management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem
services, livelihood development, and digital
transformation to contribute to climate change
mitigation.
Esteemed dignitaries from the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change,
Government of India; and senior officers from various
states graced the occasion. Mr. SAITO Mitsunori,
Chief Representative, JICA along with the forestry
and NRM sector team also attended the event. The
national workshop served as a platform to unite
speakers of international and national repute, who
engaged in insightful deliberations on significant
subjects such as sustainable forest management,
biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services,
digital transformation, and creation of livelihood
opportunities.
The workshop fostered a spirit of collaboration and
knowledge-sharing through a series of expert-led
technical sessions. Additionally, the event provided
opportunities for cultural exchanges, field excursions,
and a special session on stress management, all of
which highlighted the importance of sustainable
forestry and preserving biodiversity.
Apart from that, Mr. SAITO also inaugurated the
HIM Tradition outlet, which is a registered brand of
the JICA-assisted project for the improvement of
Himachal Pradesh forest ecosystems management
and livelihoods where products like edibles, apparel,
handicrafts developed by SHG’s are being sold.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. SAITO Mitsunori,
Chief Representative, JICA India said, “For the last
three decades, JICA’s collaboration with the Ministry
of Environment Forests and Climate Change,
Government of India and with various states across
the country has been immensely fruitful. As we
continue to grow in the forestry sector, more
emphasis needs to be given to addressing climate
change issues by promoting sustainable forest
management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem
services, livelihoods and digital transformation. I
acknowledge the efforts of the Forestry Department
and the Government of Himachal Pradesh to
ensure that some of the project activities were kept
going during the difficult times of the pandemic.
I am pleased that the annual workshops are now
resuming and look forward to the deliberations and
recommendations that will be made during these
workshops, and to the recommencement of work at
a pace that is progressive and methodical.’’
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of
Himachal Pradesh said, «We thank JICA and Chief
Representative SAITO Mitsunori for holding this
annual workshop in Shimla. Himachal Pradesh is
a store house of biotic diversity with around 8% of
the country’s flora found in diverse habitats ranging
from sub-tropical to alpine zone, along with a variety
of medicinal plants. At a time when the world has
turned to forest conservation to battle climate
change, JICA’s investment in Forestry Projects
paves a new path for the sustainable use of forest
ecosystems. We are happy to see that JICA initiatives
have resulted in skill development and employment
generation for the local population as well. Together,
we will strive to make Himachal Pradesh a ‘Green
State’, with the use of modern technology and
improving the quality of natural resources.»
The International Day for Biological Diversity,
celebrated each year on May 22, raises awareness
about the significance of biodiversity conservation
in resolving several sustainable development
challenges.
JICA has been actively working towards sustainable
forest management, biodiversity conservation, and
forest ecosystem services for over three decades.
JICA’s cumulative commitment to the Forestry &
the National Resource Management (NRM) sector
in India stands at JPY 313.80 billion, covering 31 ODA
loan projects and 2 Technical Cooperation projects.
Furthermore, JICA’s recent Project for Forest and
Biodiversity Conservation for Climate Change
Response in West Bengal (WB-FBCCCR) aims to
bolster forest management, encourage sustainable
utilisation of resources, and uplift livelihoods in the
state. Additionally, it addresses the detrimental
effects of climate change by preserving biodiversity,
increasing forest carbon stocks, and enhancing
ecosystem resilience. By involving local communities
and raising public awareness, JICA intends to create
a more participatory and inclusive approach to forest
management.
Coverage:
Millenium Post
The Times of India
4. The First Achhi Aadat (Good Habit) Campaign Session in Bodh Gaya with Yakult and
FC Nono
Bodh Gaya, May 26-27, 2023: Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) will collaborate with
Yakult Danone India Private Limited, which
manufactures the world’s leading probiotic beverage
‘Yakult,’ a probiotic fermented milk drink; and FC
Nono, a football organisation which is supporting
and empowering children through football activities
in Bihar, and conduct a kick off session of Achhi
Aadat (Good Habit) Campaign (AAC) for children
in Bodh Gaya, Bihar on May 26 -27, 2023 as the first
event of AAC in Fiscal Year 2023. The main sessions
are going to be held for more than 150 children of
an orphanage and local schools and their family in
Bodh Gaya. Through the sessions, Yakult will deliver
its lecture for sharing the importance of nutrition
and nutritional management methods that lead to
good health, FC Nono will teach football to share the
importance of proper physical activity through sport
and JICA India will share the importance and the
proper ways of the hygiene practices such as hand
washing and nail clipping, so that children will learn
the daily health management for their future long-
term health.
JICA launched AAC in January 2021, to raise awareness
on the importance of hygiene practices for preventing
the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
The campaign focuses on introducing an easy and
practical approach to the hygiene and sanitation
issues by promoting handwashing, nail cleaning and
other hygiene practice. The campaign reached out
to 12.4 crore people by the end of March 2023, either
directly through physical and online educational
sessions, indirectly by word of mouth and through
media outreach including conventional mass media
and social media.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori,
Chief Representative, JICA India said, “We are
happy to collaborate with Yakult and FC Nono to
conduct the first session of ‘Achhi Aadat Campaign’
in Fiscal Year 2023 in Bodh Gaya. Through the
campaign, we will work together to promote hygienic
practices, nutritional management and physical
activities for the health and welfare of people of
India. ‘Hygienic practices’, ‘Nutritional Management’
and ‘Playing Sports’ are important elements for the
healthy life, none of which should be missing. We
hope that this session will help more children to learn
the importance of each of these important elements
and continue to make them a habit in their daily lives
for living better.”
Coverage:
Satta Ki KhojMedia Darshan
1. On World Earth Day, JICA reiterates its commitment to investing in quality solutions
for a sustainable future
New Delhi, April 21, 2023: India ranks itself last out
of 180 countries, according to the Environmental
Performance Index 2022, highlighting the pressing
need to invest in the planet. As India moves towards
a greener future, stakeholders must unite and
invest in the planet’s health. Aligning with this year’s
theme of the World Earth Day, ‘Invest in Our Planet,’
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) India
continues to play a crucial role in supporting India’s
efforts to improve its environmental performance.
We believe that sustainable development is the
keystone for creating a better future for all. Our
efforts towards environmental conservation are
a testament to our commitment to promoting a
greener and more sustainable future.
Speaking on the occasion of the World Earth Day,
Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA
India Ofce, said, «The time to act is now. Investing
in sustainable practices and technologies is not
just the need of the hour, but also the need of the
future. We aim to improve the quality of life while
ensuring the preservation and protection of the
environment. The idea remains to work for a greener
and sustainable future.”
JICA has been focusing on sustainable forest
management, biodiversity conservation, and forest
ecosystem services since 1991. One of JICA’s notable
forest conservation projects is the Project for Forest
and Biodiversity Conservation for Climate Change
Response in West Bengal (WB-FBCCCR). The
project strives to strengthen forest management,
promote sustainable use of natural resources, and
improve livelihoods in the state. It further mitigates
the impacts of climate change by conserving
biodiversity, enhancing forest carbon stocks and
ecosystem resilience.
JICA actively improves agricultural productivity and
income for farmers, while prioritizing environmental
sustainability. The Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood
Improvement Project (II), for instance, is the second
tranche of the Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood
Improvement Project (I) which seeks to enhance
agricultural productivity and environmental
sustainability through efficient water management.
In addition to this, the Uttarakhand Integrated
Horticulture Development Project (UIHDP) aims
to promote sustainable horticulture practices and
environmental sustainability in Uttarakhand, through
water harvesting, agroforestry, and biodiversity
conservation. It grants a loan of JPY 6,401 million,
aims to benefit 100,000 farmers, and has improved
farmers’ income by up to 50% through high-value
crops. The focus on sustainable horticulture practices
also strives to reduce the usage of harmful pesticides
and chemicals, improve soil health, and promote
efficient water management.
Japan’s expertise in devising modern and efficient
metro rail systems contributes to robust and
sustainable development. The idea is to improve
urban transportation and reduce traffic congestion for
a more reliable and affordable public transportation
option. JICA grants ODA loans in several metro rail
system projects in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Patna,
Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad, exceeding JPY
3,350,374 million. The Patna Metro Rail Construction
Project (I), funded by JICA, is a first-of-its-kind project
SPECIAL DAYS
The nursery of West Bengal Forest and Bio
diversity Conservation Project
Mango farms under the Rajasthan Water
Supply Livelihood Improvement Project
introduced in Tier 2 cities, which aims to integrate
sustainable development principles and minimize
environmental impact in planning and execution.
Likewise, the JICA India Chennai Metro Project
(Phase 2) (II) is an extension of the Chennai Metro
Rail System, which aims to provide a modern and
sustainable transportation option to the people
of Chennai. It also includes using energy-efficient
trains, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels for
station lighting to minimize the impact.
In compliance with its commitments, JICA supports
projects in India’s public, health, and medicine since
1991, extending ODA loans of JPY 101,894 million.
The projects focus on improving healthcare access
and quality in the country, while also promoting
environmental sustainability through measures
such as improving water and sanitation facilities,
controlling vector-borne diseases, and using
renewable energy sources. They aim to reduce
the disease burden and strengthen public health
systems in India, while also minimizing their impact
on the environment by promoting sustainable
practices and technologies.
JICA endeavors to support India’s progress
toward comprehensive growth by focusing on
environmental, social, and economic domains in all
its projects.
Coverage:
Dainik Bhaskar
The Pioneer (Hindi)
Chennai metro Project using energy-efficient
trains, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels
for station lighting to minimize the impact.
MEDIA HIGHLIGHT
