A recent address by the Union Home Minister at the ‘Connect Karo 2021 – Towards Equitable, Sustainable Indian Cities’ Event has brought to light the critical roles and challenges of cities in driving India’s economic growth. The event, a part of a global series hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India, served as a platform for key stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the present state of Indian cities and their future prospects.
What is Connect Karo 2021?
WRI India, an independent charity organization registered as India Resources Trust, regularly hosts a global series of events called Connect Karo. The aim of these gatherings is to bring together Indian and global leaders and other stakeholders who are committed to creating inclusive, sustainable and climate-forward Indian cities. At these events, presenters from various fields – including air pollution, electric mobility, urban planning, water resilience, climate mitigation and public transit – share their insights and research findings.
The Growing Importance of Cities in India
Urban centers play an increasingly central role in India’s development trajectory. By 2030, nearly 70% of the national GDP is expected to come from cities as rapid urbanization enhances efficiencies of agglomerations. However, in comparison with global counterparts, Indian cities contribute five times less to national GDP.
Addressing Challenges Posed by Covid-19 and Climate Change
Given the prediction that India’s urban population will double to 630 million by 2030, it is evident that urban infrastructure needs considerable upgrades. This requirement has been made even more urgent by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s cities. Additionally, cities are at the frontline of climate change both as major contributors and as regions severely impacted by its effects, according to the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report. Therefore, there will be an increased focus on making cities the battlegrounds for the fight against climate change.
Government Initiatives Targeting Urban Development
In response to these urban challenges, the government has launched several initiatives. These include the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) which aims to provide housing for all in urban areas by 2022, and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT Mission), which seeks to provide basic civic amenities. The Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework is another important initiative. It’s a crucial step towards fostering the adoption and implementation of best practices for green, sustainable, and resilient urban habitats. Other schemes, such as the Urban Transport Scheme and the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban), aim to augment public transport services and provide universal water supply coverage respectively.
Cultural Contributions of Cities
Aside from their economic contribution, cities also play a pivotal role in cultural development. UNESCO has created the Creative Cities Network in 2004 with the objective of placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of local development plans. The Network covers seven creative fields, including crafts and folk arts, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music. Concurrently, the World Cities Culture Forum, established in London in 2012, enables policy makers of member cities to collaborate on the vital role of culture in their future prosperity. It’s noteworthy, however, that no Indian city is currently part of this forum.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024