India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and its growth is propelled by its cities.
Challenges
Lack of Efficient Transport: People prefer to use private transport more in the name of social status.The dependency on cars has resulted in overcrowding of roads, pollution, and the increase in travelling time in cities.
Slums and Squatter Settlements: Urban areas tend to have a high cost of living but most of the people who move from rural to urban areas are not in a condition to afford such living.
Degradation of Environmental Quality: Urbanisation is one of the major causes of environmental degradation. The congestion of people in limited spaces reduces the quality of air and contaminates water.
Sewerage Problems: Rapid urbanisation leads to the unplanned and haphazard growth of cities and most of these cities are plagued with inefficient sewage facilities.
Urban Heat Island: Urban areas are characterised by dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat.
Urban Flooding: As a result of increasing land prices and limited land in city centres, new developments in Indian cities and towns are occurring in low-lying areas, often encroaching on lakes, wetlands, and rivers.
Ineffective Functioning of ULBs: Although there is a broad range of functions for Urban Local Bodies outlined by the Constitution, the revenue required to deliver on those functions is dependent on the Centre and State.
Suggestions
Organised Urban Planning: There is a need to align towards effective solutions for urban issues that can include green infrastructure, mixed-use of public spaces and use of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind.
Urban Employment Guarantee: Urban areas need a scheme similar to MGNREGA to provide basic living standards to urban poor.
Green Transport: To achieve green mobility in India’s urban space, public transport must be rethought and rebuilt, including by introducing e-buses, creating bus corridors, and utilising bus rapid transit systems.
Formalisation of the Informal Urban Economy: The data of migrants needs to be compiled and used in city development activities in the interest of migrant workers.
