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Reimagining Urban Governance

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May 18, 2018

What is the issue?

  • Migration from rural areas is leading to overcrowding of urban areas.
  • Hence, a fresh look at urban governance is necessary.

What do the trends say?

  • Cities are economically vibrant spaces around the world and draw a large number of rural migrants looking for better prospects.
  • This is a sustained trend, particularly in developing countries now, as production, jobs and markets get concentrated.
  • ‘UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ released its 2018 ‘World Urbanization Prospects’, which forecasted future trends. 
  • India, China and Nigeria are expected to lead other countries and account for 35% of the projected growth in urban population by mid-century.
  • It estimates 52.8% of Indians will live in cities by 205o, (presently 34%) and that Delhi would become the world’s most populous city by 2018.
  • This forecast frames the challenge before developing countries in general and India in particular.

What is the state of cities in India?

  • Urbanisation in India is a complex process, as it is defined not by a constant migration of rural residents but by the flow of mostly male workers.
  • Big cities expand geographically and engulf neighbouring towns, which is also another significant way in which populations are becoming urbanised.
  • Even with only about a third of Indian population living in cities, civic anarchy is rampant in the country.
  • Housing deficits have led to the proliferation of slums, and lack of enforcement of building norms has left the metros heavily congested.
  • Also, poor investment in public transport has fuelled unsustainable levels of private vehicle use.

What are the challenges?

  • Policy Challenges - There is a strong policy emphasis on improving facilities in rural areas, which is to stymie the migration to urban centres.
  • But there is a natural economic magnetism to cities, which is proving too strong to resist, thereby mandating suitable village oriented economic policies.
  • Also, designing cities in such a way to ensure that their high levels of productivity and efficiency are not compromised is a big policy challenge.
  • Elected Mayors lack the stature and authority to introduce urgently needed reforms despite the 74th Amendment that gave them significant autonomy.
  • Pollution - World Health Organisation (WHO) has noted that 14 Indian cities are among the top 20 worldwide with the worst air quality profiles.
  • Most cities are also unable to collect and dispose of municipal waste scientifically, and simply dump them in the suburbs.
  • Such a dismal scenario can only get worse with higher population concentrations, unless city governments come into their own.
  • Integrationist Approach - While the Centre’s goal of homes for all by 2022 is laudable, it is unlikely to be realised without a push from the States.
  • Schemes driven by innovation and low-cost approaches and augmenting rental housing should be a priority within the plan.
  • Integrating green spaces, open commons and wetlands will make cities cleaner and aesthetically richer.

 

Source: The Hindu

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