Enhancing Urban Planning in India
Urban planning in India is undergoing significant transformation. The government is implementing various schemes to improve urban development and sustainability. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) plays a crucial role in guiding these efforts. This article explores the framework of urban planning in India, the initiatives taken by the government, and the importance of capacity building in local bodies.
Framework of Urban Planning in India
According to the 12th Schedule of the Constitution of India, urban planning is primarily the responsibility of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Urban Development Authorities. These bodies are tasked with managing urban development in their respective areas. The Government of India supports these efforts through financial and technical assistance. This support helps states implement effective urban planning strategies.
The MoHUA has established the Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014. These guidelines include a chapter dedicated to sustainability, which outlines best practices for sustainable urban development. The guidelines aim to ensure that urban growth is balanced with environmental considerations.
Additionally, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a key initiative under MoHUA. This mission focuses on creating a geo-database and formulating GIS-based master plans for cities. Currently, 461 cities across 35 states, including Maharashtra, are part of this initiative. The aim is to finalize master plans for 500 cities, ensuring that urban development is well-planned and sustainable.
Capacity Building Initiatives
Capacity building is essential for effective urban governance. MoHUA supports ULBs through various training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of local officials and elected representatives. Under AMRUT, the ministry has set a target to train 45,000 functionaries. So far, over 57,000 officials have received training, exceeding the initial goal.
The training programs are designed for a wide range of stakeholders, including contractors, plumbers, and students. This inclusive approach ensures that all relevant parties are equipped with the necessary skills to contribute to urban planning and development.
Moreover, MoHUA has designated four institutes as Centers of Excellence (CoE) in Urban Planning and Design. These institutes offer certified training courses for civil servants, municipal officials, and urban planners. Each center has been allocated ₹250 crore to enhance its capabilities. Additionally, six institutes have been recognized as AMRUT Funded Centers of Urban Planning for Capacity Building. These centers focus on providing specialized training to municipal officials and enhancing the overall capacity of local authorities.
Special Assistance for Urban Planning Reforms
The Government of India has introduced the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) for the years 2022-2025. This scheme incentivizes states to adopt urban planning reforms. The reforms aim to modernize building bylaws, optimize land use, and implement local area plans.
For the fiscal year 2022-23, the reforms included the creation of sponge cities and the removal of taxes on public transport. In 2023-24, the focus shifted to hiring qualified urban planners and promoting in-situ slum rehabilitation. The 2024-25 plan emphasizes comprehensive mobility and climate sustainability in urban planning.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure and planning. By encouraging states to adopt modern practices, the government aims to create more livable and sustainable urban environments.
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