The Sustainable Cities and Communities - The Future We All Aspire For

Abstract

According to the World Bank, more than 50% of the population lives in the urban area globally. Cities contribute around 80% of Global GDP. Hence it is imperative to develop cities sustainably. As cities are home for productive activities and income generation, cities are also affected by spread of informal slum areas, traffic congestion, pollution, lack of housing facilities and many more socio-environmental issues. Cities worked as attraction centre for rural masses, hence the migration from rural to urban increases the burden on existing cities. Cities are becoming increasingly essential in the fight against climate change as their vulnerability to climate and disaster risk grows. Coastal areas are home to nearly half a billion people, making them more vulnerable to storm surges and sea level rise. There are 100 million people – or 20% of the population – and $4.7 trillion in assets at risk of coastal flooding in the 136 largest coastal cities. Around 90% of urban expansion in developing countries occurs near hazard-prone areas and is accomplished through unplanned and informal settlements. If we think about just recent conflicts between community and government in India on the issues like Arey Car shed, Taljai Metro project, these are the signs of lack of sustainable city planning and community contribution. Neither politicians nor administrators have clear approach about sustainability. What is sustainable? we need to understand that sustainable means “something we create which can sustain for long time”. It would not only support current generation but also future generation. If we are planning or building anything keeping this definition in mind, we naturally grow towards sustainable environment around us. What comes in mind when we say sustainable city? It’s simple, city with affordable housing, better and rapid transport, clean water supply, sanitation, clean and fresh air and many amenities. To make it happen, in democratic nation like India, each and every citizen should contribute and take a part in sustainable project. Approaching every aspect of life is the way for sustainability, it is a challenge for us to pursue development with environmental preservation. Government should implement sustainable city plan with considering its economic, social, environmental and political needs. Yes! political needs, because regional or local politics is biggest force when it comes to real estate in urban area. We can’t deny its presence in city’s growth. Instead of making idealistic plan, touch of practicality will help to build more inclusive plan with less conflicts in future. National- International institutions like UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) should have access to connect with local governments. Education institutions and especially young minds must be influenced with sustainable thoughts by studying strategy implementations of these stakeholders. In ancient literature we called this surrounding as ‘Prakriti’ which is more inclusive term than environment. we need to invoke that term again to realize that Prakriti reside inside of us, we are part of it. It is not something which we see outside, it is something which we are feeling and experiencing for every second. Hence to achieve sustainable city goal, it is time for us to enlighten ourselves with more inclusive approach and to get rid of utilitarian thinking system.