Russian authorities will prepare 16 master plans for the development of key northern agglomerations in the Arctic zone of the country, according to Alexey Chekunkov, minister for the development of the Russian Far East. The Norilsk development model may serve as the basis for these projects.
The government has already adopted master plans for 22 agglomerations, which include 25 cities in the Far East of the Russian Federation. "These projects are already being implemented. The Arctic is the next most important stage," said Chekunkov.
According to him, master plans for 16 key settlements (agglomerations) are to be created in the Russian Arctic. Among them are Murmansk, Monchegorsk, Kem-Belogorsk, Kirovsk-Apatity, Arkhangelsk, Naryan-Mar, Vorkuta, Salekhard-Labytnangi, Dikson, Norilsk-Dudinka, Igarka, Novy Urengoy, Noyabrsk, Tiksi-Naiba, Pevek-Bilibino, Anadyr.
A comprehensive development plan for Norilsk may be considered as a model project for an Arctic city. "The Norilsk Combine is taking a key part in its implementation, attracting extra-budgetary investments. Serious issues are being addressed, including ecology, leisure, and improvement," the minister explained.
Chekunkov thanked Norilsk Nickel for the advanced financing of the city development: "Indeed, new facilities are being created that change people's perception of their city, change the quality of life of people and especially children."
The Russian Arctic is an economic region of global scale, the minister said. "This territory provides 20% of Russian exports. 80% of Russian gas production is in Yamal. The Norilsk Combine is located in Taimyr - an enterprise of global significance...The Arctic feeds Russia today and will remain an important economic engine of our development for decades to come."
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
