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GS Paper: GS1-08.Urbanisation:problems and remedies

  • How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India? (दक्ष और किफायती (अफोर्डेबल) शहरी सार्वजनिक परिवहन किस प्रकार भारत के द्रुत आर्थिक विकास की कुंजी है ?) (15m,250 words)

  • Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

    Urban flooding is defined as the inundation of property in a built environment, caused by rainfall overwhelming the capacity of drainage systems. As per NDMA, it is distinct from rural flooding, as developed catchments increase flood peaks by 1.8 to 8 times and flood volumes by up to 6 times.

    Reasons Behind Urban Flooding

    Natural causes

    Natural meteorological phenomena like cyclones, cloud bursts. Eg- Cyclone Tauktae in Mumbai.

    Topography- Many Indian cities are located in floodplains or low-lying coastal zones. Eg- Mumbai on the Konkan coast, Kolkata in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.

    Anthropogenic causes

    Outdated Drainage Standards- Most Indian city drains are designed for 12-25 mm/hour rainfall, whereas 2024-2026 patterns show frequent events of 80-120 mm/hour. Eg- Mumbai’s British-era drainage

    Climate Change – Increase in short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events. Eg- In 2005 Mumbai witnessed 37 inches of rainfall in only 24 hours.

    Poor urban planning and encroachment on wetlands

    Bengaluru has lost 80% of its lakes

    Chennai has lost 85% of its wetlands. (WWF)

    Concretisation – Expansion of concrete roads, pavements, and buildings reducing infiltration.

    Unregulated dumping of solid waste blocks drains, and stormwater systems

    Deforestation reduces the land’s ability to absorb water, causing rapid runoff into urban areas.

    Weak Enforcement – Lack of floodplain zoning and non-compliance with building regulations.

    Sudden release of water from dams and lakes – Eg- Pune Floods due to Opening of Khadakwasla dam.

    Illegal river sand mining reduces the water retention capacity of the waterbody, increasing the speed and scale of stormwater flow. Eg- Cauvery River bed, Tamil Nadu.

    Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect- increases localized rainfall intensity over cities. Eg- Delhi and Mumbai experience 30% higher rainfall than their rural outskirts during the same storm.

    Fragmented Urban Governance – Separate authorities for planning, drainage, water, and environment leads to poor coordination.

    Remedial Measures- Towards Lasting Resilience

    Governance and Planning Measures

    Integrated Urban Flood Management Plans – City-specific flood resilience strategies aligned with master plans.

    Blue-Green Master Planning under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme. Eg- No-Development Zones on floodplains and wetlands.

    Unified Urban Water Authority on lines of Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency

    Empowering local ward committees to conduct “desilting audits” and manage localized waste collection.

    Urban Climate Emergency Fund- Creating a dedicated fund for “Climate-Proofing” old infrastructure. Eg- widening British-era drains in Mumbai.

    Technological measures

    Adopting the “Sponge City” model by using permeable pavements, rain gardens, and bioswales to absorb 70% of rainwater at the source.

    Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) – Urban wetlands and green corridors as flood buffers. Eg- Netherlands’ “Room for the River” concept.

    Upgrading Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)- Eg- Tokyo’s G-Cans – During typhoons or torrential rains, it diverts the overflowing waters of various rivers.

    Real-Time Dam Management- Using AI-driven simulations to coordinate dam releases with downstream urban capacity.

    Urban flooding in 2026 is a “crisis of governance”. There is a need to move from construction-centric growth to hydrology-centric planning for truly SMART cities.

  • What are the environmental implications of the reclamation of water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (150 words) शहरी भूमि उपयोग के लिए जल निकायों से भूमि-उद्धार के पर्यावर्णीय प्रभाव क्या है ? उदाहरणों सहित समझाइए। (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

  • What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (250 words).

    The IT-BPM sector contributes around 10% of India’s GDP. It is highly urban-concentrated, with major hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, and Gurugram

    Positive Socio-Economic Implications

    Employment Generation- The tech sector directly employs over 5.8 million professionals as of early 2026.

    Financial Independence for Women, comprising nearly 34% of the IT workforce. This has led to delayed marriage ages and increased agency for women in urban households.

    Competitive salaries have fueled the growth of a “new middle class” with high disposable income, driving consumption in retail, automobiles, and high-end services.

    Social Mobility- meritocratic nature of the IT industry has allowed youth from lower strata to bypass traditional social barriers and achieve rapid upward mobility.

    Cosmopolitan Urban Culture- These cities have become multicultural melting pots that accommodate diverse linguistic and dietary preferences. Eg- Bangalore, Mumbai

    Infrastructure Modernization- Eg- multi-specialty hospitals, international schools, and Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) under the Smart Cities Mission.

    Fiscal Gains for States and Cities – Eg- Increased GST, property taxes, and local revenues.

    Boost to Ancillary Sectors – Multiplier effects on construction, hospitality, logistics. Eg- growth of Pune’s real estate sector

    Startup Ecosystem & Innovation- Major IT cities host the bulk of India’s 1.8 lakh startups. Eg- Bangalore as India’s “silicon valley”

    The presence of Fortune 500 companies has positioned Indian cities as global “knowledge capitals,” attracting significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

    Urban Economic Diversification – Shift to knowledge economy. Eg- Bengaluru’s transition from PSU-led industry to global IT hub.

    Human Capital Development due to demand for technical and soft skills. Eg- Expansion of engineering colleges.

    Negative Socio-Economic Implications

    Rising Urban Inequality – Sharp income divide between IT workers and informal sector.

    Spatial Segregation (ghettoization) – Gated communities and exclusive zones.

    Job Insecurity due to rapid tech change and automation risks. Eg- recent “layoffs” in major IT firms

    Lifestyle Stress

    Long hours, night shifts, work-life imbalance – rise in suicide and depression among youths

    Rise in non-communicable disease burden – 67% of total deaths

    Gender issues

    Glass ceiling effect – discrimination and low representation at higher positions

    “Dual Burden” of household and job

    Safety issues. Eg- delhi

    Escalation of Housing Costs – Real estate prices in Gachibowli in Hyderabad or Whitefield in Bengaluru have seen a 35-40% surge in last 5 years

    Unplanned urbanization and unsustainable infrastructure development. Eg- Gurugram flooding

    Pressure on Urban Infrastructure – Eg- Traffic congestion in India’s top four cities cost $22 billion annually in lost productivity. (Economic Survey 2025-26)

    Regional Imbalances – Concentration of growth in a few metros.

    Low-productivity equilibrium – Cities continue to absorb labour, but governance systems fail to integrate workers into formal housing, transport and service networks. (Economic Survey 2025-26)

    Environmental Stress –

    High water and energy footprint. Eg- Bangalore’s water crisis

    India is 3rd largest generator of e-waste

    Encroachment on wetlands – Chennai has lost 85% of its wetlands. (WWF)

    For making IT-led urbanisation broad-based and socially sustainable, there is need for

    Inclusive urban planning

    Affordable housing

    Decentralisation of IT growth to tier-2 and tier-3 cities

  • How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption?

    Tier 2 cities are urban centers with a population between 50,000 and 100,000. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities house over 51% of MSMEs and are witnessing a 20-25% annual growth in organized retail.

    Reasons for Growth of Tier 2 Cities

    Infrastructure Push- Projects like Bharatmala and PM Gati Shakti. Eg- Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway

    Increasing industrialization and urbanization – 37% population living in cities

    Regional Air Connectivity under UDAN Scheme increasing accessibility.

    IT Decentralization- Companies moving to “Spoke-and-Hub” models in cities like Kochi.

    Reverse Migration among skilled professionals due to work from home culture and increasing cost of living in Tier-1 cities

    Lower Cost of Operations for startups.

    Educational Hubs-expansion of IITs, IIMs, and private universities in cities like Jodhpur and Bhubaneswar.

    Smart Cities Mission- Digital and civic upgrades in 100 cities improving “Ease of Living.”

    Linkages between growth of tier-2 cities and the new consumption-oriented middle class

    Economic Decentralisation – Movement of industries and services beyond metros has generated stable salaried employment.

    Rising Disposable Incomes due to rising incomes and lower cost of living allows higher discretionary spending.

    Real Estate Boom – Growth of housing, malls, multiplexes, and gated communities reshape lifestyles.

    Expansion of organised retail, food chains, and lifestyle services cater to aspirational consumers. Eg- Zudio, McDonald in tier-2 cities

    E-commerce Penetration- Deep logistics networks by Amazon and Flipkart

    Digital Penetration – Internet, smartphones, and OTT platforms diffuse global consumer culture. Eg- Online shopping and influencer-driven consumption.

    Cultural Shift from Necessity to Lifestyle Consumption – Travel, dining out, fitness centres, and entertainment becoming routine expenses. Eg- fitness chains like Cult.fit

    Credit Expansion – Easy access to loans and EMIs fuels consumption. Eg- Buy Now, Pay Later option.

    Changing Social Values – Individualism and aspiration replace frugality and traditional restraint.

    Ensuring that consumption-led growth is inclusive and sustainable is needed to make Tier-2 cities as engines of equitable urban development.

  • Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises?

    40% of India’s population is expected to reside in urban areas by 2030 (NITI Aayog). However, this growth has often been uneven and exclusionary rather than inclusive.

    Urbanization Leading to Segregation and Marginalization

    Arguments In Favor

    Gated Communities – Eg- separate elevators and entryways for domestic staff.

    Infrastructure-Induced Displacement (Gentrification)- Eg- Dharavi redevelopment project

    “Ghettoization”– systematic exclusion of low-income groups from the social, economic, and physical benefits of the city. Eg- 17% urban population lives in slums

    Limited access to basic amenities like health and education.

    Low-productivity equilibrium – Cities continue to absorb labour, but governance systems fail to integrate workers into formal housing, transport and service networks. (Economic Survey 2025-26)

    Persistence of Caste-Based Segregation- Eg- denial of rental housing to Dalits and Muslims

    The “Poverty Tax”- Eg- Slum dwellers in Pune pay up to 20% more for water per liter than those with piped municipal connections in nearby societies.

    Exclusionary Urban Planning – Master plans prioritise commercial and elite residential zones.

    Social Stigma – Slums viewed as illegal or undesirable spaces.

    Gendered Marginalization – Poor women face compounded exclusion in cities. Eg- Insecure work, unsafe transport, and lack of childcare.

    Arguments Against

    Urban Anonymity – Reduced rigidity of caste and kinship controls.

    Social Mobility- meritocratic nature of cities allow youth from lower strata to bypass traditional social barriers and achieve rapid upward mobility.

    Gig Economy- Platforms like Zepto, Swiggy, and Urban Company provide immediate employment for low-skilled migrants.

    Entrepreneurial Opportunities – Eg- Street vending

    Political Visibility – Urban concentration enables mobilisation. Eg- Slum dwellers’ associations

    Targeted Urban Welfare Schemes to mitigate exclusion. Eg- PM Awas Yojana (Urban), PM SVANidhi

    Way Forward

    Scaling ‘SAHAYOG’ initiative of Odisha government at Pan India level

    Inclusive urban planning with affordable housing near workplaces

    In-situ slum upgrading instead of peripheral relocation

    Universal access to basic services

    Affordable mass transport systems

    With rights-based, inclusive, and people-centric urban policies, cities can instead become spaces of opportunity, dignity, and upward mobility for the urban poor.

  • Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.

    According to the International Organization for Migration, migration is the movement of people away from their usual place of residence. As per PLFS data, the total migration rate in India was around 30 %.

    Factors Behind Greater Migration to Larger Cities

    Push Factors

    Agrarian Distress – Low productivity, land fragmentation, and climate stress push people out. Eg- Migration from drought-prone regions of Bundelkhand and Vidarbha.

    Lack of Non-Farm Employment – Rural areas offer limited livelihood diversification leading to distress migration.

    Underemployment and Disguised Unemployment in agriculture

    Poor Social Infrastructure – Inadequate education and healthcare facilities in rural areas push youth to cities like Pune or Cape Town in South Africa

    Social Constraints – Caste, gender, and kinship-based restrictions. Eg- Dalits migrating to escape rural social control.

    Pull Factors

    Concentration of Employment Opportunities – Eg- Construction, services, IT, gig economy in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.

    Higher Wage Potential – Urban wages significantly higher than rural wages.

    Large Informal Sector Absorptive Capacity – Eg- Street vending, domestic work, delivery services.

    Better Education and Skill Institutions – Presence of universities and coaching hubs.

    Migrant Networks lead to chain migration to urban slums and peri-urban areas. Eg- Dharavi or Govandi areas in Mumbai, Kerala migrant network in Dubai

    The perception of the city as a land of “dreams” and social freedom attracts the youth. Eg- Mumbai or New York

    Smaller Towns Attract Lower Migration due to

    Weak Industrial Base – Limited manufacturing and service-sector growth.

    Poor Quality of higher education and tertiary healthcare

    Inadequate Urban Infrastructure – Poor housing, transport, and sanitation.

    Limited social mobility compared to metros.

    Policy and Investment Neglect – Concentration of public and private investment in a few metropolitan regions.

    Regional industrialisation, improving urban governance, and “Rurbanization”, is essential to make migration balanced, inclusive, and opportunity-driven rather than distress-led.

  • How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?

    The Smart Cities Mission aims to improve quality of life, economic opportunity, and sustainability through technology-enabled and citizen-centric urban governance.

    Role of smart cities in addressing issues of urban poverty and distributive justice

    Inclusive Urban Service Delivery – Area-based development with upgraded basic services in low-income neighbourhoods. Eg- 24×7 water supply in slum clusters using smart metering in Indore

    Affordable Housing – Convergence with PM Awas Yojana-Urban for in-situ redevelopment.

    Technology-Enabled Targeting of Welfare to reduce exclusion and leakage.

    Improved Urban Mobility for the Poor– Smart buses, integrated ticketing, and pedestrian-friendly streets. Eg- Ahmedabad’s BRTS

    Livelihood Generation and Skill Development– Skill hubs, incubation centres, and support for street vendors and MSMEs. Eg- “Smart Vending Zones” in Lucknow

    Digital Inclusion and Access- Citizen service centres, Public Wi-Fi, digital kiosks, enabling access to welfare, certificates, and grievance redressal.

    Participatory Governance through technology. Eg- Namma Bengaluru (Sahaaya 2.0) mobile app for reporting civic grievances in Bangalore

    Safety, Health, and Social Infrastructure – Smart surveillance, lighting, and emergency response improve safety for vulnerable groups.

    Environmental Justice– Eg- Flood mitigation, heat action plans, and green public spaces in dense areas.

    Transparency and Accountability in service delivery and outcomes. Eg- Public dashboards tracking water supply, waste management, and complaints.

    Challenges

    Area-Based Development Bias – Benefits concentrated in selected enclaves.

    Technology-Centric Design risks excluding digitally marginalised groups.

    Policy bias– Eg- Preference for visible projects over social infrastructure.

    Weak Community Participation – Low representation of slum dwellers in planning forums.

    Fragmented Governance – Eg- Overlaps among municipal bodies, SPVs, and parastatals.

    Affordability Concerns – Eg- Fare hikes in public transport affects daily-wage earners.

    Way Forward

    Scaling ‘SAHAYOG’ initiative of Odisha government at Pan India level

    Inclusive urban planning with affordable housing near workplaces

    In-situ slum upgrading instead of peripheral relocation

    With rights-based, inclusive, and people-centric urban policies, cities can instead become spaces of opportunity, dignity, and upward mobility for the urban poor.

    Effects of Globalization

    2018 – ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in Indian society.’ Elucidate.

    Thomas Friedman, (The Lexus and the Olive Tree), defines globalization as the inexorable integration of markets, nation-states, and technologies, making it farther, faster, deeper, and cheaper.

    Globalization Promoting Cultural Homogenization

    McDonaldization- standardization of food habits through fast-food culture

    Linguistic Imperialism- English as the lingua franca of the corporate and digital world.

    Shift from traditional joint families to nuclear units – Western individualistic social structures.

    Consumerist Modernity- Eg- rise of shopping mall culture

    Celebration of Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Halloween over local seasonal festivals.

    Westernization of Attire- Eg- universalization of jeans and corporate suits

    Standardisation of Education and Knowledge – Eg- Emphasis on STEM, MBAs, and globally recognised certifications.

    Urban Architectural Uniformity – Glass towers and gated communities.

    Digital Culture Uniformity – Eg- Global viral challenges and influencer culture.

    Emphasis on individual rights like Right to Privacy etc

    Globalization Strengthening Cultural Specificities

    Glocalization (Think Global, Act Local) – Eg- McDonald’s menu in India is beef-free, while Domino’s serves Paneer Tikka Pizza.

    Revival of traditional cuisine. Eg- Makhana as “superfood”

    Revival of Regional Languages – Vernacular content reached a 55% share on OTT platforms. Eg- Sacred games or Panchayat show that “hyper-local” stories now have global audiences.

    Global Export of Culture – Eg- International Yoga Day and the global Ayurveda market have moved Indian traditional knowledge to the center of global wellness.

    The “One District One Product” (ODOP) initiative and GI tags for items like Kanchipuram Silk or Banarasi Zardozi have revitalized local artisan economies through e-commerce.

    Religious & Ritualistic Resurgence – Eg- use of social media and drones to broadcast the Kumbh Mela or Ganesh Chaturthi has made these “specificities” more visible and zealously observed

    Diaspora-Led Cultural Preservation – Eg- celebration of Diwali in white house or dandiya in New York’s times square

    “Ethnic” Fashion Boom- Globalization created a market for high-end traditional wear. Eg- FabIndia and designers like Sabyasachi have revitalized handlooms.

    Regional Media Growth as seen in the rise of Tollywood, Mollywood. Eg- global success of RRR or Kantara

    Greater policy focus on conservation of traditional knowledge. Eg- traditional knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)

    Deep-rooted pluralism, regional diversity, and civilisational depth ensure that globalisation in India produces Cultural Hybridization and enriches India’s cultural fabric.

  • Census 2027 and Urban Area Definition

    Why in the News?

    The Registrar General of India (RGI) has announced that the same definition of “urban area” used in Census 2011 will be retained in Census 2027 to ensure comparability of data and analysis of urbanisation trends.

    Background and Urbanisation Trends:

    • Census 2011 Data: India’s population was 121 crore – 68.8% rural (83.3 crore) and 31.2% urban (37.7 crore).
    • Trend: Urban share grew from 17.3% in 1951 to 31% in 2011, showing rapid urbanisation.
    • Units: 6,40,867 villages and 15,870 urban units recorded in 2011.

    Definition of Urban Area:

    • Statutory Towns: Include municipal corporations, nagar palikas, town panchayats, cantonment boards, and notified town area committees.
    • Census Town Criteria:
      • Minimum population of 5000;
      • Population Density ≥ 400 persons per sq. km;
      • Workforce: ≥ 75% of male workers in non-agricultural activities.
    • District HQs: Headquarters not legally notified as towns will be Census Towns only if they meet criteria.
    • Exclusions: Plantations and orchards outside statutory towns will not be treated as “forests” under this definition.

    Special Features of Census 2027:

    • Caste Data: For the first time, caste enumeration included (approved April 2024).
    • Worker Classification: Male agricultural workers (cultivators, labourers, livestock, forestry, fishing, hunting, plantations) excluded when calculating non-agricultural engagement.
    • Error Correction: Grouping multiple villages into one Census Town discontinued; identification now at village level.

    Preparatory Work and Timelines:

    • Jurisdiction Updates: All changes in villages/towns/wards updated till 31 December 2025.
    • Boundary Freeze: Administrative boundaries fixed on 1 January 2026.
    • Village Review: Villages with 4,000+ population in 2011 re-examined to meet 5,000 threshold by 2027.
    • Phases:
      • Houselisting & Housing Census (HLO) – April 2026.
      • Population Enumeration (PE) – February 2027.
    [UPSC 2002] Consider the following statements about the megacities of India:

    I. Population of each megacity is more than 5 million.

    II. All the megacities are important sea ports.

    III. Megacities are either national or State capitals.

    Which of these statements are correct?

    (a) I, II and III

    (b) I and II

    (c) II and III

    (d) I and III *

     

  • [14th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A critical message for the urban elite

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC CSE 2018)

    Q) Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India.(UPSC CSE 2014)

    Q) To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present-day urbanization? Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2013)

    Mentor’s Comment: The SDG 11 for sustainable cities addresses the challenges of urbanization and aims to ensure that all urban areas provide equitable opportunities and improved living conditions for their residents.

    Presently, our Indian cities are termed “heat traps” due to unbalanced urban growth, which has led to the depletion of water bodies and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Urban areas are significantly warmer than rural counterparts, exacerbated by concrete and glass structures that retain heat. Studies indicate urban areas can be 5-7°C hotter than surrounding rural areas. Vulnerable groups such as delivery workers, auto drivers, and street vendors face severe consequences from heat exposure, with limited access to hydration and shade.

    Today’s editorial emphasizes the need for the privileged classes to confront the realities of urban life, as their comfort-driven lifestyles, facilitated by technology, contribute to systemic urban issues. 

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Cities like Delhi that are exceeding 50°C, highlight how poor urban planning disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, who suffer the most from extreme weather conditions.

    • This exacerbates inequalities and diminishes empathy towards those who serve.
    • There is a need for a reconnection with urban environments, urging the elite to leverage their influence to advocate for equitable improvements in living conditions for all.

    How does poor urban planning impact marginalized sections of the urban society?

    • Delivery boys, who navigate city streets to meet the demand for online orders, face relentless heat with little relief.
    • Auto drivers are directly exposed to the scorching heat of the day as they strive to earn a living.
    • Construction workers are forced to work long hours outdoors, enduring the hot sun without adequate shade or hydration.
    • Domestic women workers frequently travel by foot, and street vendors constantly battle the whims of the weather, with their earnings declining as foot traffic reduces due to the heat.

    Other challenges of poor Urban Planning and Technology’s impact

    • Disproportionate Effects: Poor urban planning primarily impacts marginalized communities, while the privileged remain largely unaffected.
    • Technology-Induced Inaction: Comforts of technology, like air conditioning and delivery apps, insulate the elite from urban challenges, reducing their motivation to advocate for change.
    • Reduced Outdoor Engagement: Grocery delivery and ride-hailing apps minimize the need to engage with the urban environment, fostering detachment.
      • The reliance on technology diminishes empathy towards service workers, as interactions are minimized.
    • Comfort Trap: A tech-enabled lifestyle creates a false sense of luxury, leading to greater human domestication and reduced social engagement.
    • Reactive Governance: Urban issues gain attention only when they affect the elite, prompting swift governmental action in affluent areas but neglecting broader community needs.
    • Cycle of Decline: Heat waves and poor conditions drive people indoors, increasing reliance on technology and further deteriorating public services.
    • Aggravated Inequalities: The integration of technology into urban living exacerbates existing inequalities and creates new ones, failing to improve overall quality of life.
    Initiatives taken by the government:

    • Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Cities like Ahmedabad have implemented HAPs that include establishing cooling centers, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns about heat-related illnesses. 
    Delhi Heat Wave Action Plan focuses on profiling heat hotspots, enhancing healthcare capacity, and developing emergency response protocols.
    • Budgetary Allocations: The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated significant funds for urban transformation projects, including Rs 10,400 crore for the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Rs 80,761 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

    What needs to be done?

    • Breaking the Comfort Trap: Reconnecting with cities and communities is essential for collective survival, moving beyond a false sense of comfort.
      • The privileged must leverage their influence to engage with governments and improve urban living conditions.
    • Confronting Urban Realities: Acknowledging the true state of urban areas is crucial for rebuilding equitable and livable spaces.
    • Changing Urban Landscape: Increasingly frequent extreme weather events are diminishing public spaces and outdoor activities.
      • Allowing convenience to dictate urban development risks the decline of cities, making them less sustainable for all.