Chennai: Union minister for urban development and information & broadcasting Venkaiah Naidu, terming mediapersons 'modern naradas,' urged them to desist from sensationalising news.

"They want to sensationalise and many times push their weapon (the mic) in to the mouth for an opinion," he said, speaking at the inaugural event of the Engineers Conclave at IIT Madras on Thursday.

Sharing his views on engineering and urban planning at the three-day conclave, the minister said engineering is key for urban planning especially when the civic system has collapsed in certain parts of the country and called for an 'urban renaissance'.

Citing floods in cities like Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyder and Navi Mumbai, he said only engineers or architects cannot be blamed and the fault lies with politicians too for allowing encroachments and unauthorised constructions. "At every level, there should be serious concern regarding the civic system," he said, adding implementation steps need to be taken at the state government and local levels.

Stating that 'smart cities' have become the flavour of the season, Naidu said the second list of 40 cities under the smart city mission is being scrutinised and would be announced by the end of the month. He said the cities are being included in the list based on certain criteria and their preparedness for reforms like removal of encroachments or widening of roads. "It is through qualification and not selection. 12 cities in Tamil Nadu are already being considered for the list," he said.

The Conclave was jointly organised by the Indian National Academy of Engineering and the IIT-M in partnership with ministry of urban development.

At another event, the minister said the Union ministry for urban development will make it easier for city corporations to give permission for buildings near important sites like the airport, archaeological sites and defence areas.