WEF’s “Indian Cities in the Post-pandemic world” report mentions cities critical role in post-covid India

News: World Economic Forum(WEF) has released a report titled “Indian Cities in the Post-Pandemic World”.

Facts:

• About the report: The report has been produced in collaboration with IDFC Institute, Mumbai.
• It compiles insights from leading global and Indian urban experts across seven thematic pillars— planning, housing, transport, environment, public health, gender and vulnerable populations.
• Purpose: The report highlights the country’s most pressing urban challenges that were exacerbated by the pandemic. It also provides insights for translating the lessons learned from the pandemic into an urban reform agenda.

Key Takeaways from the report:

• Impact on Cities: Cities have borne the maximum brunt of the covid-19 outbreak, but they will also be key to India’s post-pandemic growth. They account for nearly 70% of the country’s GDP and an average of 25-30 people migrate to cities from rural areas every single minute.
• Households: About 25 million households in India—35% of all urban households cannot afford housing at market prices.
• Impact on Different Population Groups: The impact of the pandemic has been profoundly uneven on different population groups. Vulnerable populations, including low-income migrant workers have suffered the dual blows of lost income and weak social-protection.

Recommendations:

• Greater decentralization and empowerment of local governments, which will allow for more proximate and responsive governance.
• Collection of data to help cities in managing and directing emergency operations during a crisis.
• Government have to create a new urban paradigm that enables cities to be healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient.
• Ensure the infrastructure that has adequate functional capacity, aligned with current and future demands.
• Prioritise action on environmental sustainability, air pollution and disaster management in urban rebuilding efforts.
• Prioritising inclusivity by addressing the biases and impediments faced by women and vulnerable populations in accessing urban opportunities.