After introducing a series of books on cities, I took a break to introduce to you, my dear book loving readers, a magnificent architect’s wonderful book in the May issue of this magazine.
Columns
Urban Quest For Efficiency
Urban ecosystem is degrading everywhere and the impact would amplify further if the anticipated impacts…
Rurban; best of both worlds
Beyond the cities, there is vitality and energy in smaller towns especially given our vast geographical spread and diversity in the economic and social fabric. Policy interventions can help make these locations attractive for locals and to stem the urban deluge.
Cities, villages can’t grow in silos
The promise of inclusive nation building aspires to transform rural and urban areas alike. The reality today presents the stark contrast in terms of efficient services and high-end infrastructure deficit in almost every Indian village. Is sprawl of cities an urban blight on villages?
Roadmap for smart villages
Mahatma Gandhi said, “the future of India lies in its villages”. Despite government’s focus on villages for many decades, villages remain poorly serviced and governed. India has been an agricultural economy yet the sector is still not a well-paying livelihood option. Generating new avenues of employment in villages, reviving agriculture and improving services in rural areas are some of the components that need to be included right away in rural development policies.
Architecture infuses livability in cities
Christopher Benninger’s book ‘Architecture for Modern India’ brings some fascinating facts about the role of architecture that will not only make cities scientifically and aesthetically pleasing but also humane. Such a city would lead to creation of recreation zones,inclusive public participation and an existence that would be in synchronisation with nature. Government sponsored schemes such as AMRUT, HRIDAY and Smart City can get interesting insights from this book
Can we ignore infrastructure?
No. We cannot. Infrastructure is the oxygen on which cities thrive and survive. When the cities are contributing almost 65-70 per cent to National GDP and this number is expected to grow further, ignoring proper maintenance of urban infrastructure in any given area concerning cities, or not building new ones to meet the demand will not be a wise move
Green infrastructure must to sustain urban livability
Focus on bridges, roads, buildings and other urban infrastructure to improve public amenities and municipal…
Chinks in the Armour
Urbanisation is no longer an option for India. Urban population is expected to grow to 590 million by 2030. India needs to build 15 cities of Mumbai’s size in next 10 years to accommodate the population. Cities would also need to invest hugely on infrastructure to bridge the infrastructure gap for ensuring high-quality living standards. It is estimated that India would require, over the next 10 years, between USD 800 billion and USD 2.2 trillion of investment in infrastructure to sustain economic growth
More than just roads & buildings
For a few decades now, cities are increasingly and rapidly becoming the centres of economic…