FM call for paradigm change in urban planning ‘opportunity of a lifetime’: Experts

News: On emphasizing urban planning, Finance Minister (FM) said when India will celebrate its 100th Independence Day, nearly half the population would be in urban areas.

What is the announcement on urban planning from budget 2022-23?

FM said that urban planning will help India realize its economic potential, including livelihood opportunities for the demographic dividend. To achieve this, there is a need for a paradigm change, like

– India needs to nurture the megacities and their hinterlands to become current centers of economic growth.

–  India needs to facilitate its tier 2 and 3 cities. There is a need to reinvent cities into centers of sustainable living with opportunities for all, including women and youth.

What is the need for urban planning?

First, Indian urban planning is still working on philosophies of the socialist era. It is characterized by a command and control approach, license-permit raj, and an anti-market outlook. This brings more problems and harm to the poorest section of the urban population. So, it urgently needs reform and liberalization.

Second, Urban planning is missing in most of the Indian cities “as their growth trajectory determined by realtors”.

What is the significance of good urban planning?

According to experts:

–  well-planned urbanism will add to the GDP and contribute to economic growth.

– Involvement of various stakeholders at multiple levels and emphasis on paradigm change will help to make the urban sector perform better.

What steps should the government need to adopt for better urban planning?

– Lay plans that address specific problems and characteristics of specific cities.

– Ensure good public transport is present in these areas.

– Focus on creating mobility grids that would connect the secondary cities to megacities.

Source: This post is based on the article “FM call for paradigm change in urban planning ‘opportunity of a lifetime’: Experts” published in the Indian Express  on 2nd February,2022.