Sustainable urbanization in India: Experiences and challenges

Abstract

Urbanization brings about a variety of spatial, economic, social, demographic, and environmental changes. Some of these are positive whereas others are negative. Despite the tremendous potential of cities to provide quality of living conditions, urban problems limit their sustainable growth. Sustainable urbanization requires a balance between the development of the urban areas and protection of the environment with an eye to equity in employment, shelter, basic services, social infrastructure, and transportation in urban areas. The present urban chaos in India is mainly the result of ineffective and inefficient urban management, multiplicity of authorities, inadequate revenue base, lack of coordination between various municipal agencies, and the nonparticipatory attitude of stakeholders. Therefore, the objectives of the present chapter are (i) to analyze trends of urbanization in India, (ii) to highlight the problems and limitations of the urbanization process in India, and (iii) to suggest measures to make urbanization sustainable.