ABSTRACT
Seventy per cent of GDP growth will come from urban areas; hence, a well-planned urban-centric policy is imperative. Cities and towns have very poor quality of life indicators, especially in slum settlements. Existing urban plans are far removed from reality. There is an absence of low-income housing. Most cities lack proper sanitation management arrangements. Solid waste management is not only woefully inadequate but also inefficient. With public transport systems weak, there has been a rapid rise in personal vehicles. Thus, urban planning in India must become participatory and inclusive, and housing for the poor, sanitation, and public transport need to occupy centre-stage. Plans must provide spaces for street vending. There is a need for an integrated approach that supports cluster development in identified cities/towns; this will require a city-wide empowered authority. Existing slum settlements must be improved and a low-income housing market promoted. Waste management needs equal focus on waste collections and disposal backed by legislation. In public transport priority must be on buses and pedestrian paths; metro services distort priorities and are not as cost-effective. Urban development needs vastly enhanced budgetary resources, including through user fees.
