MEVE 016: Unit 12 – Approaches in Addressing Urban Issues

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 UNIT 12: APPROACHES IN ADDRESSING URBAN ISSUES

12.0 Introduction

India’s urban sector is undergoing rapid transformation due to population growth, migration, and economic expansion. However, this growth is accompanied by serious challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, rising inequality, housing shortages, traffic congestion, pollution, and poor urban governance.

To meet these challenges and make cities livable, resilient, and equitable, it is essential to adopt strategic and sustainable approaches to urban development. This unit explores key urban challenges and presents various solutions rooted in sustainable urban development, including climate resilience, energy efficiency, smart city frameworks, and inclusivity.

12.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, the learner will be able to:

  • Identify the major urban development issues and challenges in India.
  • Understand the concept of sustainable and inclusive urban development.
  • Explain the significance of climate resilience, sustainable transport, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
  • Analyze government-led approaches like Smart Cities and Eco-Cities.

12.2 Key Issues and Challenges Associated with Urban Development in India

Urbanization in India has led to several pressing concerns, including:

  1. Housing and Slum Proliferation: High demand for housing has led to the growth of informal settlements.
  2. Inadequate Infrastructure: Shortages in water, sanitation, waste disposal, power supply, and urban transport.
  3. Traffic Congestion and Pollution: High vehicle density has increased air and noise pollution.
  4. Unemployment and Informal Economy: A large proportion of the urban workforce is engaged in unorganized sectors without social security.
  5. Environmental Degradation: Encroachment on green spaces and wetlands, and urban heat islands.
  6. Urban Sprawl: Unplanned expansion leading to inefficient land use and loss of biodiversity.
  7. Inequity and Exclusion: Gender disparities, socio-economic inequality, and lack of access to urban services for marginalized communities.
  8. Governance Deficit: Weak coordination between urban agencies, corruption, and lack of citizen participation.

12.3 Sustainable Urban Development

12.3.1 Concept of Sustainable Development

According to the Brundtland Commission (1987):

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

It emphasizes a balance between economic growth, environmental conservation, and social equity.

12.3.2 Concept of Sustainable Urban Development

Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) refers to city planning and management that:

  • Minimizes environmental impact.
  • Enhances quality of life.
  • Promotes social inclusion and equity.
  • Supports economic viability.
  • Integrates natural and built environments.

SUD aims to build cities that are environmentally resilient, socially inclusive, and economically productive.

12.4 Approaches to Sustainable Urban Development

12.4.1 Sustainable Urban Transport

Transportation is a key factor in urban sustainability.

  • Problems: Vehicular emissions, traffic jams, poor public transport, and pedestrian-unfriendly cities.
  • Approaches:
    • Mass Transit Systems: Metro rail, BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit Systems).
    • Non-Motorized Transport: Promotion of walking and cycling infrastructure.
    • Electric Mobility: EVs and charging infrastructure.
    • Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Mixed-use developments around public transport nodes.
    • Congestion Pricing & Car-Free Zones.

These strategies reduce carbon footprint, improve air quality, and enhance mobility for all.

12.4.2 Climate Resilient Cities

Climate change poses threats like urban flooding, heatwaves, and sea-level rise.

  • Strategies for Resilience:
    • Green Infrastructure: Parks, green roofs, bioswales to absorb excess rainwater.
    • Urban Forestry: Planting trees to mitigate urban heat islands.
    • Early Warning Systems: For floods, cyclones, and heatwaves.
    • Zoning Regulations: Avoiding construction in flood-prone areas.

Cities such as Surat and Bhubaneswar have pioneered climate-resilient city planning.

12.4.3 Energy Efficient Buildings

Buildings consume significant energy in cities.

  • Green Building Techniques:
    • Use of LED lighting, natural ventilation, and solar panels.
    • Building materials with high thermal efficiency.
    • Rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems.
    • Design standards like ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) and certification systems like IGBC or LEED.
  • Net-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) aim to produce as much energy as they consume.

12.4.4 Inclusive Cities

Inclusivity ensures that all residents—regardless of income, gender, caste, age, or ability—benefit from urban development.

  • Policy Goals:
    • Affordable housing for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections).
    • Universal access to sanitation, water, and education.
    • Gender-sensitive planning (e.g., well-lit streets, safe public transport).
    • Accessible Infrastructure for differently-abled persons.

Schemes like PMAY–Urban, SBM–Urban, and National Urban Livelihoods Mission promote inclusivity.

12.4.5 Eco-Cities

Eco-cities aim to reduce environmental impact while enhancing urban life.

  • Key Characteristics:
    • Use of renewable energy.
    • Promotion of waste-to-energy and composting.
    • Public transport-centric design.
    • Conservation of natural features like rivers, lakes, and biodiversity.

Lavasa (Maharashtra), GIFT City (Gujarat), and Auroville (Puducherry) incorporate some eco-city principles.

12.4.6 Smart Cities

Smart Cities leverage digital technologies and data for efficient urban management.

  • Smart Solutions Include:
    • Intelligent Traffic Management.
    • Smart Waste Management.
    • Real-time Monitoring of Air and Water Quality.
    • e-Governance Platforms for citizen participation.
    • Smart Grids for energy efficiency.

The Smart Cities Mission (2015) has selected 100 cities in India for integrated, sustainable, and citizen-friendly urban development.

12.5 Let Us Sum Up

Urban development in India is both an opportunity and a challenge. While cities are engines of economic growth and innovation, they also face complex issues such as overcrowding, pollution, and social disparity.

This unit examined major urban challenges and outlined sustainable approaches to address them. Solutions such as climate-resilient infrastructure, inclusive urban policies, efficient transport systems, and technology-driven governance are key to shaping future-ready Indian cities.

Urban planning must adopt a holistic vision that integrates social equity, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

12.6 Key Words

  • Sustainable Urban Development: Development that balances environmental, social, and economic needs in cities.
  • Climate Resilient Cities: Urban areas designed to withstand climate-related risks.
  • Inclusive Cities: Cities that ensure equitable access and participation for all citizens.
  • Eco-Cities: Environmentally sustainable urban spaces.
  • Smart Cities: Urban areas using ICT for efficient and intelligent urban management.
  • Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Planning cities around public transport corridors.

 

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