The poor quality of urban planning in India stands as a formidable barrier to unlocking the true economic potential of urbanization. As one of the fastest-growing economies globally, India’s rapid urbanization should ideally catalyze economic growth, innovation, and improved living standards. However, the inadequacies in urban planning have led to a myriad of challenges, including inefficient land use, inadequate infrastructure, and social disparities. This critical examination aims to shed light on the profound implications of suboptimal urban planning, illustrating how it hampers the realization of economic opportunities and undermines the overall sustainability of urban development in the country.
Answer
India’s urbanization rate is one of the highest in the world. According to the United Nations, India’s urban population is projected to increase from 483 million in 2020 to 675 million in 2035, an increase of 39%.
Poor quality of urban planning is manifested in the following ways which is a huge constraint in realizing the true economic potential of urbanization:
- Poor Urban planning causes spatial inequality
- Poor and imbalanced Urban planning often perpetuates spatial inequalities, with core areas experiencing more focused development compared to peripheral regions.
- For e.g. In cities like Mumbai and Delhi, the concentration of economic activities in certain core areas (Central Mumbai and New Delhi) leads to underdeveloped peripheral areas like Najafgarh in Delhi and Kurla in Mumbai.
- Poor Urban planning causing Congestion
- Transportation geography emphasizes the spatial aspects of movement. Poor urban planning results in congestion due to inadequate transportation infrastructure.
- For e.g., cities like Bangalore face traffic congestion and inefficient public transportation systems, impacting economic activities and overall urban functionality.
- Poor planning undermines Sector Model of urban growth and Zoning regulations
- The sector model suggests that cities grow in sectors. Poor zoning and planning may lead to disorganized development.
- For e.g., Unplanned urban growth in cities such as Kolkata often results in mixed land-use patterns, impacting the efficient allocation of resources and affecting the quality of life.
- Poor urban planning causes Urban Sprawl and Environmental Degradation
- Urban sprawl, driven by factors like population growth, can lead to environmental degradation as it encroaches upon nearby rural landscapes as urban fringe destroying the natural green zones.
- For e.g. In cities like Chennai, rapid urban expansion into ecologically sensitive areas contributes to environmental degradation, affecting ecosystems and water resources.
- Poor urban planning undermines the Central Place Theory
- Central place theory emphasizes the importance of central locations. Poor planning affects accessibility to essential services due to constrained accessibility and congestion leading to spatial inequalities and degraded quality of life and social well-being.
- For e.g., Unequal distribution of amenities in cities like Hyderabad results in accessibility issues, with certain areas lacking essential services, impacting residents’ well-being.
However, there are some other factors as well that hamper the realisation of the full potential of urbanization such as:
- Rapid Population Growth
- Rapid urbanization often outpaces the ability of cities to plan and provide adequate infrastructure and services.
- The sheer scale of population growth in urban areas puts immense pressure on resources and services.
- Informal Economy and Employment
- A significant portion of economic activities in Indian cities occurs in the informal sector.
- Lack of formalization limits the contribution to GDP and impedes the implementation of labor and business regulations.
- Inadequate Skill Development
- The workforce may lack the necessary skills for the evolving job market.
- Insufficient investment in skill development and vocational training limits the ability of the urban population to engage in higher value-added activities.
- Corruption and Bureaucratic Hurdles
- Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder the smooth implementation of urban development projects.
- Red tape and bribery can lead to delays, cost overruns, and suboptimal outcomes.
- Health and Sanitation Challenges
- Health challenges, such as the lack of access to clean water and sanitation, contribute to a less productive workforce.
- High disease burdens can result in increased healthcare costs and absenteeism.
Under such condition, initiatives like Smart City Mission, Bus Rapid Transit (like the one in Ahmedabad), The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Community Participation (The Bhuj Master Plan in Gujarat), Inclusive Urban Design (E.g. The Bhuj Master Plan in Gujarat) is a step in the right direction.
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