Urban sustainability projects in India have gained momentum by 2025. However, many initiatives privilege elites while marginalising the poor. Large-scale infrastructure and green projects often disrupt livelihoods and displace vulnerable communities. This has raised concerns about equity and true environmental benefits.
Coastal and Urban Infrastructure Projects
Mumbai’s 29-km Coastal Road project, costing ₹13,000 crore, serves only 2% of the population. It requires reclaiming 0.9 km² of coastline, harming tidal ecosystems and displacing fishing communities. In Delhi, slum evictions linked to green parks along the Yamuna River have left many homeless. These projects show the tension between urban development and social justice.
Smart Cities Mission and Gentrification
India’s Smart Cities Mission allocates nearly 80% of funds to small, affluent settlements covering 5% of city areas. This focus causes gentrification, slum clearances and rising rents. Wealthier neighbourhoods gain more from green and tech upgrades, while the urban poor see little benefit. This pattern reflects global urban sustainability challenges.
AMRUT and Swachh Bharat Mission – Implementation Gaps
AMRUT aimed to improve green spaces, water systems and sanitation in 500 cities. Swachh Bharat sought to end open defecation by 2019. Both missions faced corruption, poor execution and incomplete projects. For example, in Madhya Pradesh, a ₹540 crore scam revealed that 4.5 lakh promised toilets were never built. Many facilities were unusable or located near waste dumps. AMRUT projects in some areas worsened flooding despite heavy spending.
Social Impact and Evictions
Delhi’s slum population forms 20-30% of residents but occupies only 0.5% of land. Forced evictions increased sharply in 2023, with 278,796 people displaced. Many evictions violate court rulings and lack proper rehabilitation. Residents face difficulties proving legal residency. These actions deepen social inequality under the guise of urban beautification and infrastructure growth.
Electric Vehicle Zones and Economic Exclusion
EV zones in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi aim to reduce pollution. Yet, restrictions on older vehicles and fees exclude low-income workers dependent on diesel transport or autorickshaws. This creates economic hardship for informal sector workers and challenges the fairness of green policies.
Pathways to Inclusive Sustainability
True urban sustainability must balance ecology with social equity. Social Impact Assessments should be mandatory for all green projects. Community involvement in planning and governance must increase through participatory budgeting and empowered local bodies. Affordable housing and recognition of informal livelihoods are essential. Equitable EV infrastructure and subsidies can support low-income users. Only inclusive approaches can ensure sustainability benefits all citizens.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the challenges faced by urban sustainability projects in India and their impact on marginalized communities.
- Critically analyse the role of Social Impact Assessments in ensuring equitable urban development with suitable examples.
- Estimate the effects of gentrification on social equity and urban infrastructure in Indian cities, and suggest measures to mitigate these effects.
- What are the economic implications of electric vehicle zones on informal sector workers? How can policy ensure inclusivity in green transport initiatives?
