Formation of the Kerala Urban Commission in 2024 reflects a renewed emphasis on comprehensive urban planning.
Introduction:
An Urban Commission serves as a crucial institution tasked with formulating and guiding urban development policies, addressing challenges, and providing a roadmap for sustained growth.
Nearly 35% of the population lives in urban centers as per the 2011 census.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 (74th CAA) came into effect on 1 June 1993 and introduced Part IX A (the Municipalities) which deals with the issues relating to municipalities. The Act provided constitutional status to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Necessity of Urban Commission:
Long-term Vision: It allows for strategic planning that considers demographic shifts, technological advancements, and environmental considerations.
Social Equity and Inclusive Development: By addressing issues of housing affordability and accessibility, commissions contribute to creating diverse and inclusive urban environments.
Integrated Infrastructure Planning: For instance, a commission can align transportation plans with housing policies to create accessible and sustainable urban spaces.
Challenges Faced by Urban Commissions:
Fragmented Approaches: An Urban Commission encounters difficulties in harmonizing efforts for a synergized impact.
Governance issues: The governance structure within cities is often complicated, with decentralization remaining incomplete. Urban Commissions grapple with the need for efficient governance, balanced power distribution, and effective coordination between local bodies and state agencies.
Political interference: The autonomy of commissions can be compromised when political considerations override long-term urban development goals.
Resource Constraints: Over-centralisation in financial architecture creates financial constraints in Urban commissions which significantly impact Urban Commissions in India, hindering their ability to conduct comprehensive research and implement ambitious plans.
Data Management: Access to accurate and updated data is a persistent challenge for urban commissions in India.
Urban Commissions in India:
Understanding holistic aspect of development: Urban commissions in India should address the issue of migration, settlement patterns, and technological advancement.
Financial Autonomy: Giving enough financial autonomy to the Urban Commission will equip them with resources.
Public Participation: The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority is an Indian example that has successfully integrated public participation in its planning initiatives
Policy Innovation: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Planning Committee's initiatives exemplify forward-thinking approaches, incorporating smart city initiatives.
Capacity Building: Training programs, collaboration with research institutions, and leveraging technology can strengthen the analytical and planning capabilities of commissions. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority's capacity-building initiatives serve as a model for effective urban governance.
Cross-Boundary Collaboration: Collaborative efforts can streamline infrastructure planning and address challenges that transcend administrative boundaries.
Global best practices:
London City Planning Commission, which envisions London's growth over the next several decades.
The Stockholm Planning Commission in Sweden is recognized for its efforts in creating socially inclusive urban spaces.
Conclusion:
The SDGs Goal 11 promotes urban planning as one of the recommended methods for achieving sustainable development.
The establishment of Urban Commissions, exemplified by the recent initiative in Kerala, is pivotal for navigating the intricate urban landscape in India.
Schemes/Programmes Related to Urban Development:
AMRUT Mission: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation aims to provide basic services such as water supply, sewerage, and urban transport to households and building amenities in cities.
Smart Cities: To promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment, and application of Smart Solutions.
HRIDAY: The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), aims to bring together urban planning, economic growth, and heritage conservation in an inclusive manner & to preserve the heritage character of the City.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban: Addresses Urban housing shortage among the Urban Poor including the Slum Dwellers by ensuring a pucca house for eligible urban poor.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Aim at making urban India free from open defecation and achieving 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste in 4,041 statutory towns in the country.