Urbanization, sustainable development and the need for ethics in planning education

Abstract

Urbanization is inevitable in India. However while planning economic development, environmental resources, socioeconomic factors, energy consumption patterns, and inclusion of all flora−fauna and their sustenance including human life have to be taken into consideration. In the modern world, human centric development planning is leading to not only exclusion and extinction of various species which are very essential for the survival but also excluding other sections of society that are fundamental for overall well-being. The assumption of happiness based on consumption and sense of gratification has triggered over exploitation of nature leading to depletion of resources at a faster pace and affecting peace and harmony in society. Close observation of the existing practices reveals that the root cause for various maladies is attributable to human proclivities. A well-known truism is: ‘The Mother Earth has sufficient resources for everyone’s needs, but not anyone’s greed’. The difference between need and greed is to be clearly understood and incorporated in planning education to achieve sustainable society and world. Many developed countries have already recognized limitations of legal and economic instruments to conserve natural resources and are exploring the prospect of culture-based norms of ancient human traditions. Solution lies somewhere in a proper mix of cultural, legal, and economic instruments to achieve a balanced way of life. An attempt is made in this chapter to stress the importance of ethics in planning education, formulation of statutory regulations, offering economic incentives and penalties, etc. for overall sustainable development of society at large.