The state policies and actions have proved to be inadequate to address the challenges of rapid urbanisation. Analyse.

As per the World Bank, 34% of Indian population resides in urban areas and contributes 63% to India’s GVA.

Pull factors to cities:

• Job opportunities.
• Healthcare and education facilities.
• Recreational options.
• Better income.
• Absence of caste rigidity.

State policies and actions:

• Smart cities mission
• AMRUT scheme
• PMAY (U)
• HRIDAY scheme
• SBM (U)
• JJM (U)

Challenges:

• Slum proliferation
• Traffic congestion
• High cost of living
• Pollution
• Poor urban infrastructure
• Insanitation

Inadequacy of state policies:

• As per WWF, by 2050, 30 Indian city’s will be at high water risk.
• As per Niti Aayog, the majority of Indian cities face water shortage.
• As per AQI, 22 Indian cities or among 30 most polluted cities globally.
• Vulnerability of cities to traffic collapse and floods.
• Slow impact of smart city solutions.

Steps needed:

• Prompt monitoring and feedback mechanism.
• Climate resilience in urban planning.
• Basic amenities for all.
• Decrease rural-urban gaps.

Economic survey’s basic amenities index is a useful urban assessment tool, which can be used to monitor the progress.