The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Union Minister for Housing, Hardeep Singh Puri, underscored the importance of urbanization as a pivotal trend of this era, projecting that by 2050, urban areas will house two-thirds of the global population. This insight was shared during his speech at the unveiling of the Urban Studies and Research Centre at Miranda House. The Minister underscored urban centers’ crucial role in meeting worldwide objectives, especially those concerning environmental sustainability and resilience against climate change.
Puri highlighted that urban areas in India are expected to accommodate over half of the country’s population by 2050, amounting to 877 million residents. These cities are anticipated to contribute significantly to India’s economic output while also being responsible for a major portion of greenhouse gas emissions. The Minister shared insights into India’s evolution in urban planning, transitioning from hesitant to proactive urbanization. He praised the government’s broad initiatives aimed at urban rejuvenation, which have significantly contributed to crafting a modern urban narrative for India.
Since 2014, there has been a substantial increase in investments in urban development, with over Rs 18 lakh crores allocated towards transforming cities, a stark contrast to the investments made from 2004 to 2014. Puri detailed the pivotal role of various government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Smart Cities Mission, and PM SVANidhi Mission in reshaping urban development.
The Minister stressed the increased emphasis on decentralization, empowerment, and resource allocation to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), highlighting a significant increase in funding from the 13th to the 15th Finance Commission. This shift underscores the government’s commitment to empowering ULBs to manage large-scale projects, innovate, and address urban challenges effectively.
Addressing the modern challenges cities face, from climate change to land use efficiency, Puri advocated for innovative, data-driven approaches to urban development. He posited that the Urban Studies and Research Centre at Miranda House could spearhead a new dialogue on the transformative changes required for future cities, emphasizing the need to understand urban economic dynamics for effective city planning. Through this initiative, the government aims to foster a culture of innovation and adaptability in addressing the complex issues facing urban areas in the 21st century.