Access to new resource related to smart cities and challenges to attain sustainable urbanization added to PMWL
Resource provided by Tirumala Parchuri
21 December 2019 – Mumbai, India – Access to a new resource related to projects and project management of Smart Cities added to the PM World Library (PMWL). The resource is titled “Smart Cities in India: Challenges and Possibilities to attain Sustainable Urbanisation” and is a paper authored by Mahendra Sethi published in the Journal of Indian Institute of Public Administration in September 2015.
With more than half of the world's humanity now living in urban areas, it is evident that the path to sustainable development must pass through cities. Hence with the announcement of 100 new smart cities, Government of India has strategically responded to both the international and the domestic audience. The article addresses the Government of India's policy or the Guidelines, reviews the individual smart city proposals and explores the means for their effective implementation.
As the saying goes, the road to the City of Emeralds is paved with yellow brick. Throughout human history, urban settlements have been centers of business, talent, entrepreneurship, wealth, ideas, art and culture. In 1800, only three per cent of people lived in a city of one million or more. In 1950’s there were only 83 cities worldwide with populations over one million; by 2007 there were 468. In April 2008, the world passed the 50 per cent urbanization mark (UNDESA, 2011). With more than half of the world’s humanity now living in urban areas, some of it in abject poverty, destitute and vulnerable circumstances, it is evident that the path to sustainable development must pass through cities. Undoubtedly, the role and responsibility of cities are increasing in international debates of economy, environmental governance and sustainability. They are estimated to contribute 70-80 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product and likewise accountable for 70-80 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause global warming
The global urbanization trend is creating an urgency to find smarter ways to manage the accompanying challenges. India on its development pathway faces a similar urban challenge. According to the 2011 census, about 32 per cent (377 million) of the country’s population lives in urban areas as against 28 per cent in 2001 and 17 per cent in 1991. Projections of Census of India 2011 data suggested that urban population was about to grow at the pace of 2.83 per cent from 340 million in 2008 to 590 million in 2030, living in at least 60 cities with a population of more than one million (McKinsey, 2010; MoUD, 2011). By 2039, most estimates consider India to be 50 per cent urbanized. To keep pace with that, India would have to spend $1.2 trillion in its urban areas. While, worldwide there is a call to battle global challenges like climate change, poverty, inequality and sporadic development in developing societies through transformative sustainability, innovation and low-carbon societies, there is a smoldering pressure from Indian urbanites for enhanced economic growth, job creation, systems efficiency, urban renewal, municipal reform and international living standards.
To access this new resource, go to the Industries and Organizations section of the library at https://pmworldlibrary.net/industries-and-organizations/, scroll down to “P/PM in Industries for Economic & Social Development, click on “Smart cities, urban renewal and development”. Must be a registered Trial, Full or Student member and logged-in to access.
This new resource provided through the PMWL university research internship program; to learn more, click here
