Urbanization in India has been rapidly accelerating, posing numerous challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic disparities. In response, the Indian government has implemented a range of measures to address these pressing issues. From policies promoting sustainable urban planning and development to initiatives aimed at improving access to basic services like housing, sanitation, and transportation, India is navigating the complexities of urban growth with a multifaceted approach. These measures not only strive to mitigate the adverse effects of rapid urbanization but also aim to harness the potential of cities as engines of economic growth and innovation.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Housing for All (HFA) (Urban Mission) was launched in June
- 2015 to provide housing to all in urban areas by 2022.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)– launched with the objective to provide hard infrastructure for universal coverage of piped drinking water, sewerage and green spaces and parks. AMRUT also incentivizes governance reforms in the cities.
- Developing Smart Cities-Launched in June 2015, Smart Cities Mission aims at driving economic growth and improving the quality of life through area based development and city-level smart solutions. The mission would convert 100 existing cities into smart cities.
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)-Launched on 2nd October 2014, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) (Urban) is the key mission driving the campaign to make our cities clean. The mission aims to eliminate open defecation in all statutory towns by 2nd October 2019. It also proposes to eradicate manual scavenging, introduce modern and scientific solid waste management, induce behavioural change with respect to healthy sanitation practices and generate awareness for sanitation and its link to public health, augment the capacity of ULBs and create an enabling environment for the private sector in waste management.
- Deen Dayal Antodaya Yojana– National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY – NULM)-aims at creating opportunities for skill development leading to market based employment and
- helping the poor to set up self-employment ventures. This Mission’s interventions are implemented through five key components:
- Social Mobilization and Institutional Development (SMID);
- Self-Employment Programmes (SEPs);
- Employment through Skill, Training & Placement (EST&P);
- Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH); and
- Support to Urban Street Vendors (SUSV).
- National Heritage City Development & Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) Mission was launched in January 2015 with an aim to rejuvenate the heritage cities, with special attention to others issues such as sanitation, tourism, and livelihood. The Mission is targeted for completion by November 2018. The HRIDAY mission will be concluded in 12 heritage cities as per the Detailed Project Reports.
- Urban transport – All the interventions in the urban transport by the Ministry of Urban Development such as Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), urban transit infrastructure or financing of metro rail projects etc, are carried out as per the provisions of National Urban Transport Policy, 2006.
- Pooled Finance Development Fund Scheme: The Central Government launched the Pooled Finance Development Fund (PFDF) Scheme to provide credit enhancement to ULBs to access market borrowings based on their credit worthiness through State-Level-Pooled Finance Mechanism. The broad objectives of this scheme are to facilitate development of bankable urban infrastructure projects; to facilitate Urban Local Bodies to access capital and financial markets for investment in critical municipal infrastructure , to reduce the cost of borrowing to local bodies and to facilitate development of Municipal Bond Market.
- North Eastern Region Urban Development Programme (NERUDP) – The North Eastern Region Urban Development Programme (NERUDP) Phase-I is being implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) with the financial assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB). It covers capital cities of 5 North Eastern States viz. Agartala (Tripura), Aizawl (Mizoram), Gangtok (Sikkim), and Kohima (Nagaland). The project covers priority urban services viz.
(a) Water Supply, (b) Sewerage and Sanitation, and (c) Solid Waste Management.
FAQs
Q: What is the government doing to manage the rapid urbanization in India?
The government has launched several initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to address the challenges of rapid urbanization. These programs focus on creating sustainable urban infrastructure, providing affordable housing, and improving basic services like water supply and sanitation.
Q: How does the government plan to improve urban infrastructure in India?
To improve urban infrastructure, the government is investing in projects such as metro rail networks, road expansion, and upgrading public transportation systems. Additionally, initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission aim to use technology and data-driven solutions to enhance urban infrastructure and services.
Q: What steps are being taken to tackle the issue of slums in urban areas?
The government is implementing various slum redevelopment schemes under programs like PMAY to provide affordable housing to slum dwellers. Additionally, initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission focus on improving sanitation and hygiene in slum areas to enhance living conditions.
Q; How is the government addressing the challenges of urban pollution and environmental degradation?
The government has introduced measures such as the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) to tackle urban pollution. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on promoting renewable energy sources and implementing waste management practices to mitigate environmental degradation in urban areas.
Q: What efforts are being made to promote sustainable urban development in India?
The government is promoting sustainable urban development through initiatives like the Green Cities Mission, which focuses on enhancing green spaces, promoting energy efficiency, and adopting eco-friendly practices in urban planning and development. Moreover, policies are being formulated to encourage compact and mixed land-use development to reduce sprawl and promote sustainable transportation options.
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