C
ities are economic power hubs and the main drivers of economic growth.
In 2015, 85% of global GDP was generated in cities. Cities enable delivery
of services in efficient ways and allow for implementation of services
that are sustainable and cost effective. Hence, cities are increasingly becoming
political power centers with populations and budgets larger than many countries.
As a result, cities are pushing important agendas through their own political
networks.
Almost 4 billion people, or more than 50% of the world’s population, lived in cities
in 2015 and the urban population is expected to increase to almost 5 billion people
by 2030. India is experiencing a rapid urbanization with an expected increase in
the urban population from 400 million people to 600 million people in 2030.
Such rapid urbanization is unprecedented in world history and entails challenges
and opportunities in terms of provision of infrastructure, sufficient and suitable
housing, and expansion of basic services like waste management, water and waste
water treatment. Urbanization can be a strain on the resources, environment, air
and quality of life, if not done sustainably.
The challenge of rapid urbanization is a vast one and the achievement of the shared
target under the UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 on cities and 6 on water
requires learning and continued dialogue on the important issue of urbanization
and liveable cities. And as the Indian Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr.
Hardeep Singh Puri says “that for the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) to succeed, India needs to succeed with achieving the UN SDGs”.
Challenges brought by the rapid urbanisation in India mostly relate to provision of
basic services within waste management, water and waste water treatment. The
Government of India is working towards tackling the challenges of urbanization
through various initiatives and programmes. The 100 Smart Cities, Swach Bharat
and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
programmes are ambitious investments that address the challenges and could
realise the potential of India’s growing cities.
In order to promote urbanization, focus could, to a larger extend, be on livability
instead of just making cities smart. Decision makers and urban planners will
need to take a holistic approach to urban planning and need to keep people's
perspectives in mind to increase liveability. Empowering local bodies and policy
makers will pave the way for urbanization and make the cities liveable in India.
Danish cities and their partners, including both private corporations and research
institutions, are eager to share their knowledge and insights on holistic urban
planning, city management and urban waste and water management with India.
Danish municipalities have focused on how to make cities liveable and attractive
and Danish cities have learned that challenges often provide an opportunity.
Waste can be turned into energy; water can be cleaned and reused for industry
and the sludge becomes a resource for energy and heat in the process.
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