The report titled ‘Reforms in Urban Planning Capacity in India’ has been recently launched by NITI Aayog. The launch has shed light on the level of urbanisation across India, painting a varied picture across states and emphasising the need for reform in urban planning.
Indian Urbanisation: A Nationwide Overview
As per the 2011 census, India’s population stands at 1210 million, with an urbanisation rate of 31.1%. However, the distribution and pace of urbanisation differ drastically among states. Over 75% of the urban populace lives in ten states viz., Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Kerala.
State-wise Urbanisation Scenario
While states like Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat exhibit over 40% urbanisation, states such as Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh lag behind the national average of 31.1%. However, Union Territories like NCT of Delhi, Daman and Diu, Chandigarh, and Lakshadweep present over 75% urbanisation.
The Rising Need for Urban Planning Reforms
Despite accounting for only 11% of the global urban population, India’s absolute urban population surpasses highly urbanised regions like the United States, Japan, Western Europe, and South America. Owing to this, urban growth is predicted to contribute 73% of the total population rise in India from 2011 to 2036.
Urbanisation and Its Economic Impact
Urbanisation plays a vital role in Indian economy contributing approximately 60% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, substantial untapped economies of scale remain.
India’s National Growth Targets
India aims to reach a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024. It anticipates a total workforce of 0.64 billion by 2030, with 0.26 billion employed in urban areas. Infrastructure developments, such as 11 large industrial corridors and various multi-modal logistic parks, form a substantial part of this growth target. Additionally, environmental protection goals like river rejuvenation and clean air in cities are also on the agenda.
National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) and Its Role
The urban sector has a significant share of 17% in the NIP, which facilitates infrastructure projects with a projected investment of Rs 111 lakh crore during 2020-25.
India’s Global Commitments
India has pledged to uphold several global commitments, such as SDGs (Goal 11), UN-Habitat’s New Urban Agenda, and the Paris Agreement. All these commitments prominently feature urban planning as a crucial factor for a sustainable future.
Essential Recommendations for Urban Planning Reform
Suggestions for urban planning reform include implementing the ‘500 Healthy Cities Programme’, re-engineering urban governance, empowering the private sector, strengthening human resources, and amping up citizen outreach. Improving the urban planning education system is also recommended.
Current Urban Development Schemes/Programmes
Several initiatives related to urban development are already in place. These include the Smart Cities programme, AMRUT Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, HRIDAY, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban. Each serves a unique purpose, ranging from infrastructure enhancement to housing provision to heritage conservation.
