Strategies for Sustainable Urban Development in the Master of Planning Program

Can you imagine a world where cities are smog-free and full of greenery? This vision might be a fairy tale or dream, but India is now working on making the cities sustainable and smart, which will achieve idyllic urban settings.

Large-scale urbanisation has become a new phenomenon for humanity. Most of the world’s population is shifting from rural to urban areas. According to the Statista report, the global urbanisation rate is currently 57%.

Among the world's fastest-growing economies, India is predominantly driven by its cities. According to the Drishti IAS report, these cities will contribute 70% to the country's GDP by 2030.

Despite the urbanisation trend, present urban development could be better, as it often fails to focus on sustainability. Some of the global challenges that we still need to look at are:

Evaluating policies and Interventions
Comprehensive Assessment of Planning Measures
Indoor Environmental Quality
Design of Green and Blue Infrastructure
Urban Food System
Sustainable Energy and Waste Management
Health Equity

This blog will cover strategies for sustainable urban development and how youth can learn about it. Institutions like Manipal University Jaipur offer the M Plan program to help students make practical plans for learning about sustainable urban development.

Let us first understand the meaning of sustainable urban development.

Understanding Sustainable Urban Development

Sustainability in urban planning is a holistic approach that plans to create cities that meet the needs of the present generation without sacrificing the needs of future generations. This approach balances economic prosperity, environmental protection and social equity.

For instance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) on 25 June 2015. This program by NDA-1 aims to transform Indian cities into efficient, sustainable, and citizen-friendly ones.

What does Sustainable Urban Development look like? Some of the Key Principles of Sustainable Urban Development are:

Compact, Mixed-use Development
Transit-oriented Development
Green Infrastructure
Renewable Energy
Community Engagement

Strategies for Sustainable Urban Development

Proper infrastructure planning, urban design, and governance policies for sustainability can help sustain urban development. Let us discuss the strategies in depth to make the future more sustainable:

Strategy 1: Infrastructure Planning

Sustainable infrastructure means the transformation towards green energy or smart buildings. India is working towards becoming a $26 trillion economy by investing in sustainable infrastructure.

Using artificial intelligence and machine learning can help improve infrastructure planning. For instance, Skye Air has recently introduced the ‘Skype Pod project’, an innovative project that aims to deliver on a larger scale. This latest technology can be used for traffic-related issues and during calamities, which will assist in infrastructure planning.

Talking about Sustainable transportation networks, India 2023 launched the e-Bus seva scheme, with an allocation of Rs. 57,613 crore for the introduction of 10,000 new electric buses in 169 different cities. This scheme promotes a greener future and sustainable, clean public transport.

Strategy 2: Urban Design and Planning

Creating a walkable and bikeable neighbourhood is an essential aspect of urban design for sustainability, as it enhances accessibility. Chandigarh, designed by architect Le Corbusier, is an excellent example of smart city planning.

Preserving green spaces and biodiversity becomes essential for urban design and Planning. According to the Times of India, Siliguri, a beautiful city in India, is making efforts to integrate biodiversity into urban planning.

Governance and Policy for Sustainability

India has introduced different programs for urban sustainability:

Smart Cities Mission (SCM): This program aims to transform 100 cities into smart cities by 2022. Its goal is to improve people's quality of life through economic growth and sustainable development.
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): This program was launched in 2014 to eliminate open defecation and scientifically manage municipal solid waste. The vision for SBM-U 2.0 is to achieve “Garbage Free” by 2026.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): This program aims to provide basic amenities like water supply, urban transport, sewerage, and a park.

Challenges and Opportunities

Overcoming Barriers to Sustainable Urban Development

Economic Constraints: High initial costs; long-term benefits can outweigh these.
Political Challenges: Short-term cycles, lack of consensus, and corruption require strong political will and collaboration.
Social Resistance: Community pushback; overcome through effective communication and participation.

Seizing Opportunities for Sustainable Cities

Technological Advancements: Innovations like renewable energy and smart grids.
Global Trends and Partnerships: Collaboration and knowledge sharing through international partnerships.
Innovative Financing: Green bonds, impact investing, and public-private partnerships.

Role of Master of Planning Programs

Urban planning requires proper knowledge and skills essential for city design and management. An institution like Manipal University Jaipur offers master of planning programs to students, which ensures that professionals are well prepared to contribute to sustainable and innovative urban development. Let us discuss the curriculum and core competencies:

Curriculum:

Planning history, theory, and legislation
Urban and regional governance
Planning techniques and tools
Studio work and practical application
Transport and infrastructure planning
Risk management and disaster mitigation
Development Finance
Elective specialisations (public policy, data analytics, real estate, etc.)
Research and analysis
Health and wellness
Legal and financial acumen

Core Competencies

Climate change adaptation and mitigation
Smart cities
Inclusive urban development
Sustainable mobility
Circular economy
Urban agriculture
Digital transformation

Conclusion: The Future of Sustainable Urban Development

The future of urban development lies in creating greener, more environmentally friendly cities. These cities should be places where people can thrive and enjoy a high quality of life while contributing to a sustainable future.

M plan students will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable urban development. They will use new technology and their skills to provide innovative solutions for making cities smarter and more sustainable.

There is a call to action for sustainable urban planning practices to achieve a sustainable future, which requires commitment from individuals, planners, and the government. Some key actions are: