Word is out that Indian cities are changing fast and catching up with their counterparts in the West. That certain select cities are growing, particularly the IT and BPOs, is true. These sectors have transformed cities in many ways. Horizontal growth (march of the cities) has slowed down and vertical high-rise buildings has taken toll on cultural heritage and social values.
How it contributes
The emergence of the new rich class has given a fillip to a host of economic activity. May it be construction of new shopping malls, I-Max theaters, PVRs or luxourious residential complexes, a whole range of new products have flooded the markets. The whole concept of consumer marketing has undergone a sea change.
Housing loans and consumer loans, which were unaffordable, have become a routine affair for the new generation. On every cash counter we find the young boys and girls swiping their credit cards and spending much beyond their regular savings. But what about liabilities that they are creating against their prospective income. The moment their calculation goes haywire, many youngsters land up anxiety and depression victims.
Urban Infrastructure
Unlike developed western countries, in India the population prefers to stay near to their work place. This complicates the situation. In every big city particularly, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai the population density
has multiplied manifold during the last 15 years.
Urban Infrastructure
Unlike developed western countries, in India the population prefers to stay near to their work place. This complicates the situation. In every big city particularly, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai the population density
has multiplied manifold during the last 15 years.
The width of roads is same but the number of automobiles is increasing by leaps and bounds. Nobody is bothered about the transit time and the level of pollution.
This situation has led to mass exodus from this city. Unless we recognise urban infrastructure as a key driver for urban economy, we cannot dream of a vibrant urban India.
Meanwhile, we have made absolute inadequate efforts towards increased afforestation and stop the process of deforestation.
What needs to be done?
In urban master plans we should adopt the pattern of development as has been done in most western countries and even small countries like UAE and Singapore.
We have to separate the business place and residential areas in every city.
For shopping and retail business the places can be earmarked near every group of 5000 to 10000 residential units. This small group of residential habitats should have necessary infrastructure like schools, hospitals, police stations, bus station, Rapid Transport system and the likes.
It is high time that we recognise the urgency of developing healthy urban conglomerates and stick to Rules and by Laws otherwise we will see the complience being secured through the interference of courts like it is being done in Delhi.