• UGI USER
  • Jul 25, 2024
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AN OUTLINING OF URBAN TRANSFORMATION STRATEGIES

source:www.thehindu.com

Relevance:

  • GS 1 – Urbanization
  • GS 2 – Government Policies and Interventions
  • GS 3 – Infrastructure

Focus:

  • Analysis of strategies in the 2023-24 Union Budget for urban transformation, covering housing, infrastructure, and sustainable urban development.
  • Details initiatives, objectives, and impact on urban growth and quality of life in cities.

Current Scenario:

  • Urban Population Growth: 50 crore people, 36% of India’s population; growing at 2% to 2.5% annually.
  • Urbanisation Needs: Demands sustained investments and strategic planning for city development.

Key Issues and Proposals:

  • Housing:
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): Since 2015, 85 lakh housing units for EWS and MIG with ₹8 lakh crore investment.
    • New Proposals: 60 lakh more units with ₹2 lakh crore investment; ₹48,000 crore allocated for 2023-24.
  • Infrastructure Development:
    • AMRUT: ₹8,000 crore for city infrastructure, emphasizing PPP models.
    • Other Investments: ₹1 lakh crore for road infrastructure, focusing on urban connectivity; ₹1.5 lakh crore for state infrastructure development.
    • Transit-Oriented Development: Developing metro rail networks and public transport systems.
  • Solid Waste Management:
    • Challenges: Significant issue needing efficient waste systems.
    • Proposals: Financial assistance for waste processing and recycling facilities.
  • Economic and Transit Planning:
    • Urban Planning Framework: Orderly development and sustainable growth; financial support for metro networks and public transportation.
    • Economic Zones: Establishing SEZs and industrial corridors.
  • Water Supply and Sanitation:
    • Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban): Piped water supply and improved sanitation.
    • Smart Water Management: Efficient use and distribution of water resources.

Impact Analysis

  • Housing for All:
    • Affordability: More affordable housing for EWS and MIG; reduces slums.
    • Economic Growth: Stimulates economic activity via construction jobs and related industries.
  • Infrastructure Development:
    • Urban Connectivity: Enhanced mobility, reduced congestion, supports economic activities.
    • PPP Model: Leverages private investment for urban development.
  • Sustainable Urban Growth:
    • Waste Management: Cleaner cities, better public health, environmental sustainability.
    • Water and Sanitation: Promotes health and well-being, improving urban life quality.
  • Economic and Social Benefits:
    • Job Creation: Infrastructure projects create jobs, boosting local economies.
    • Quality of Life: Improved infrastructure and services enhance urban livability.
  • Environmental Sustainability:
    • Green Building Initiatives: Energy-efficient, environmentally friendly practices.
    • Renewable Energy: Reduces carbon footprint, enhances energy security.
Case Studies

  • Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban): Improvements in sanitation and waste management.
  • Smart Cities Mission: Enhanced infrastructure and sustainable development.
  • Metro Rail Projects: Improved mobility, reduced congestion in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru.
  • Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban): Effective water supply in cities like Pune and Surat.
  • AMRUT: Improved basic services in selected cities.
  • Green Building Initiatives in Pune: Promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.

Broader Implications

  • Inclusive Urbanisation:
    • Balanced Development: Benefits for all society sections.
    • Policy Integration: Coordinated efforts for holistic development.
  • Climate Resilience:
    • Green Infrastructure: Promoting sustainable transportation and energy.
    • Disaster Preparedness: Integrating disaster risk reduction.
  • Governance and Institutional Capacity:
    • Strengthening Local Bodies: Enhancing capacity for urban projects.
    • Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring project execution transparency.
  • Social Inclusivity:
    • Equitable Access: Ensuring access to services and infrastructure for all.
    • Community Participation: Encouraging involvement in planning and decision-making.
  • Health and Well-being:
    • Public Health Infrastructure: Investing in healthcare for quality services.
    • Green Spaces: Developing parks to improve residents’ well-being.
  • Cultural Preservation:
    • Heritage Conservation: Integrating cultural preservation in plans.
    • Cultural Spaces: Promoting community engagement and identity.

Future Directions

  • Integrated Urban Planning:
    • Comprehensive Approach: Including housing, transportation, and sustainability.
    • Stakeholder Engagement: Involving citizens, private sector, and agencies.
  • Technological Innovation:
    • Smart Solutions: Leveraging technology for efficient management and citizen engagement.
    • Digital Infrastructure: Supporting e-governance and service delivery.
  • Sustainable Finance:
    • Innovative Financing Models: Municipal bonds, land value capture, climate finance.
    • Private Sector Participation: Encouraging participation through incentives.
  • Policy Integration:
    • Comprehensive Framework: Integrating economic, social, and cultural objectives.
    • Stakeholder Involvement: Involving communities, businesses, and policymakers.
  • Resilient Infrastructure:
    • Climate-Resilient Design: Infrastructure for climate impacts.
    • Sustainable Urban Transport: Promoting environmentally sustainable public transport.

Conclusion

The Budget’s urban transformation strategies address urbanization challenges through a comprehensive approach focusing on housing, infrastructure, sustainable growth, and effective governance to create livable, inclusive, and resilient cities.

Mains Question:

Examine the strategies outlined for urban transformation in the Budget. How do these strategies aim to address the challenges of urbanisation and promote sustainable urban growth? (250 words)

Source: The Hindu