Context

With the rapid pace of urbanization, the percentage of India’s population living in cities and urban areas has almost doubled to 27.8% in 2001 from 14% at the time of Independence. This is expected to accelerate even further, and by 2021 over 40% of Indians will be living in urban areas. The scale of urbanization in India can be seen in 6 mega cities (5 mn plus), 29 metro cities (1 mn plus), 500 cities (100,000 plus), with a total of over 5000.

By 2011, Urban India will contribute over 65% to Indian GDP. Indian Cities provide settings as engines of economic growth, and at the same time face enormous challenges.

The Challenges

Some of the major challenges which Indian cities are facing include:
  • Lack of adequate housing and social infrastructure
  • Lack of access to clean, regular supply of water - in sufficient quantity and assured quality
  • Lack of adequate sanitation facilities
  • Lack of proper and comprehensive solid and liquid waste management systems
  • Absence of integrated, economically and ecologically sustainable transportation systems
  • Inefficient financial management, leading to inadequate resource-base
  • Increasing levels of urban poverty, and problems faced by slum settlements
  • Inequitous distribution of resources, and lack of access to basic services in socially and economically disadvantaged groups
  • Rising cost of housing, construction & infrastructure development

Initiatives


Many initiatives are being taken up by the Central, State and Local / City Governments for addressing the urban challenges.

The historic launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) by the Government of India in 2005 aims at creating economically productive, efficient, equitable, inclusive, sustainable and responsive cities. The massive funding from the Central & State governments amounting to Rs. 1000 billion (USD $20 billion) over the period 2005-2012 will contribute substantially to creating improved urban infrastructure and housing.

The urban sector scenario in India is thus going through a dynamic phase of reforms, leading to fast-paced improvement in infrastructure through massive investments.
Objectives of Municipalika

  • Provide a platform for showcasing and demonstrating the latest technologies, equipments, services and concepts in Municipal Management, Urban Development and Public Works
  • Create a forum for sharing strategies, experiences and best-practices in creating inclusive, sustainable, inhabitable and credit-worthy Urban settlements
  • Bring more transparency and accountability in public procurement
  • Showcase the various programmes, policies and achievements in the sphere of Urban Development by Central and State Governments, especially the Host-States and Host-Cities
  • Foster interaction among the various stake-holders i.e. Central, State and Local Urban Government Bodies, International and National Developmental Agencies, NGOs, and citizens.