Indian Cities: Challenges and Solutions

• World’s urban population is estimated at 4.7 billion, projected to double by 2050.
• Cities face poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
• Rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and limited resources intensify these issues.
• Indian cities face housing shortages, poor access to clean water and sanitation, and increased vulnerability to climate-related events.
• Indian urbanisation differs from the Global North due to economic distress and poverty-driven urbanisation.
• COVID-19 pandemic has strained urban planning due to reverse migration trends.
• India lacks precise data on its urban population, with around 40% of the population living in urban areas.
• Urban planning agencies struggle due to outdated plans and capital growth focus.
• Inequality is widening, with exclusive developments catering to the wealthy.
• Climate change severely impacts Indian cities, leading to pollution and urban flooding.