AIILSG organises panel discussion on urbanisation challenges- expectations and roadmap

MUMBAI: AIILSG organised a panel discussion on “The Urbanisation Challenge in India-Expectations and Roadmap” during InfoComm event on October 26, 2023 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The panelists included Dr Sudhir Krishna, Chair- Committee on Standards for Smart Cities of the Bureau of Indian Standards; Dr Om Prakash Mathur, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Global Cities Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto Chair- Urban Studies at Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi and Mr Amit Bhatt Managing Director for India at ICCT – The International Council on Clean Transportation.

Renowned economist and urban expert, Dr Amitabh Kundu, graced the event with his illuminating keynote address. Dr Kundu emphasized the paramount importance of sustainable urban development, particularly as India’s cities continue to burgeon. He said, “Promote urbanisation from the local level, depending on the local demand which is emerging. And national sample survey shows that only 35% of the total consumer durable comes from class one cities. Only 35%. 65% of the consumer durables demand comes from rural areas and small towns and that is something which needs to be captured.”

Following Dr Kundu’s inspiring address, the discussion shifted into high gear, guided expertly by Abhishek Pandey, Editor of Urban Update. The panelists, each eminent in their respective fields, enriched the discourse with their unique perspectives on India’s urbanisation challenges and prospects.

Dr Sudhir Krishna, Chair – Committee on Standards for Smart Cities of the Bureau of Indian Standard said, “We find so many programs and schemes and missions for the cities. But at the same time, certain challenges have remained unaltered For example, the slums in the cities. They have remained practically unaltered, if not increased over time.” He argued that the focus on data-driven approaches, like dashboards, has led to a disconnect between the intentions of these programs and the ground reality. The lack of strengthening municipal capacities is a key issue. He suggested that municipal commissioners, often junior officials, lack the necessary authority and support, with elected representatives like mayors being sidelined. What cities need is a clearer governance framework, greater involvement of mayors, and more direct communication between chief ministers and municipal commissioners to address the crisis in urban development.

Dr Om Prakash Mathur discusses a significant economic transition projected for India from a lowermiddle urban economy to an upper middle urban economy within 25 years. He drew attention to a crucial World Bank report titled “Urbanisation without Growth,” emphasising that this transition could be either productive, sustainable, and inclusive or disastrous. The report provides examples, particularly from African countries, where a similar transition led to widespread homelessness and lack of services. He said, “this growth […] is 17 per cent of the global increase in urban population of this period. Now, 17 per cent by one single country is no ordinary sort of increase. How India addresses the urban challenge will not only affect India, but it will also affect the international benchmarks like the Sustainable development.”

Amit Bhatt notes the unique challenges of motorisation in India, where the use of triplets (walking, cycling, and public transport) differs significantly from Western countries. They highlight the urgent need to address the public health impacts of vehicle exhaust, citing a study that estimates 75,000 to 76,000 premature deaths annually due to this issue. He said, “Each department is doing its own planning, its own operation, its own monitoring. But there is not one agency that is looking at the oversight. And that’s what we have to create, either within the existing agencies or otherwise institutes which are responsible for the holistic planning of transportation.”

The panel also welcomed Binu Francis, currently serving as the secretary in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. He shared an inspiring case study that showcased how the Kudumbashree mission, under his leadership, achieved financial self-sustainability while transforming the city. The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation witnessed impressive results, with 93 per cent of households now having access to water supply collected from authorised vending points. This transformation was made possible through digital governance, ensuring real-time monitoring and accountability. Francis also emphasized the need for a regulatory framework to eliminate the exorbitant charges imposed by private tankers and the unsustainable disposal of waste in open spaces.

After a thoroughly engaging discussion, the session ended with Q&A session.