FLAWED URBANISATION

THE CONTEXT: India is experiencing rapid urbanization, with projections indicating that by 2036, 40% of the population (600 million people) will reside in urban areas, up from 31% in 2011. Despite deteriorating air quality, real estate prices in major Indian cities continue to rise. The Supreme Court has been actively addressing air pollution, particularly in Delhi-NCR. In November 2024, the court ordered the implementation of GRAP Stage-IV measures and the closure of schools due to hazardous air quality.

THE BACKGROUND: Established in 1999, the IRDAI initially had its headquarters in Delhi. In 2001, a significant decision was made to move the regulatory body to Hyderabad, Telangana. This relocation was part of a broader strategy to decentralize important institutions and promote balanced regional development. However, cities like Hyderabad have experienced rapid growth, leading to their urban issues, such as increased pollution and rising real estate prices.

THE ISSUES:/THE CHALLENGES:

• • Urban Livability: In 2024, cities like New Delhi, Noida, and Faridabad consistently recorded AQI levels in the “Severe” and “Unhealthy” categories. Mumbai alone houses 5 million slum dwellers, with 52.5% of the city’s population in just 9% of its geographical area. Only 10% of cities in India can provide safe drinking water to their citizens. Despite poor air quality, Gurugram saw a 160% increase in residential prices from 2019 to 2024.
  • Environmental Concerns: North India, home to over half a billion people, remains the most polluted region, with residents expected to lose about 5.4 years of life. Water quality deteriorates in the distribution network due to multiple processes, including pipe material release and biofilm formation.
  • Urban Planning and Management: 39% of state capitals do not have active master plans. Urban local bodies receive only 0.5% of GDP in intergovernmental transfers, limiting their capacity. Public transport has historically received less than 1% of the annual road transport budget.
  • Stakeholder Accountability: Developers often fail to follow laid-out norms for covering up areas during construction activities, leading to increased dust levels. Many industries flout emission control norms, contributing to air pollution. Civic authorities are often lax in enforcing environmental regulations effectively.
  • Regional Imbalance: The total number of rural-to-urban migrants in India is 69.6 million (Census 2011), mainly concentrated in a few metropolitan centers. Economic opportunities remain concentrated in a few urban centers, leading to migration and urban pressure.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• • Comprehensive Planning Frameworks: Cities need integrated plans focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. Initiatives like the GIS-based Master Plan under AMRUT 2.0, covering 675 towns, aim to modernize urban planning by improving land-use efficiency and promoting transit-oriented development. The Local Area Plan and Town Planning Scheme (LAP/TPS) under the Smart Cities Mission focuses on mobilizing urban land efficiently while addressing urban sprawl.
  • Sustainable Urban Ecosystems: Emphasis on creating “sponge cities” to manage urban flooding and improve water retention. Nature-based solutions, such as blue-green infrastructure, can enhance environmental sustainability in cities. Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority provides a model for long-term urban planning focusing on green spaces and mixed-use developments.
  • Fostering Stakeholder Vigilance and Participation: Citizen engagement frameworks under the Smart Cities Mission ensure local communities are involved in decision-making processes. Participatory planning through platforms like MyGov and the Swachhata App has enabled greater citizen involvement in governance. The Greater London Authority Act empowers local mayors with decision-making authority, ensuring effective governance through public participation and transparency.
  • Balanced Regional Development: Programs like the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) address regional disparities by funding infrastructure projects in underdeveloped areas. Developing industrial estates in small towns can create employment opportunities and reduce migration to metro cities.
  • Empowering Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): Financial empowerment through municipal bonds under AMRUT has increased the creditworthiness and investment attractiveness of ULBs. Adopting model laws like the Model Municipal Act can ensure uniformity in urban governance across states. Regular audits, transparent monitoring mechanisms, and performance reviews are essential for effectively enforcing urban policies.
  • Investing in Human Capital: India spends only 1.28% of its GDP on healthcare, one of the lowest among BRICS nations. Increasing this to 2.5%, as per the National Health Policy 2017, can reduce out-of-pocket expenditures from 65% to 30%. India’s literacy rate is 78%, below the global average of 86%. Investments in education are crucial for improving human capital outcomes.

THE CONCLUSION:

India’s urban future hinges on its ability to implement holistic development plans prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and regional balance. Empowering local bodies, fostering public participation, addressing regional disparities, effectively enforcing regulations, and investing in human capital are critical steps toward creating livable cities that can sustain economic growth while ensuring social equity.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q. Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. 2020

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. “Despite rapid urbanization, Indian cities continue to struggle with poor livability standards, rising real estate prices, and environmental degradation.” Discuss

SOURCE:

https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/flawed-urbanisation/3684375/