Urban Renewal
Urbanization is a global phenomenon characterised by population increase in urban areas. As per projections of the United Nations, by 2050, nearly 68% of the global population will reside in cities and towns. This rapid urbanisation is primarily driven by rural-to-urban migration, natural population growth, and the allure of better quality of life and economic opportunities in cities.
With the growth in urban populations comes the need for urban renewal and redevelopment. As cities expand to accommodate the influx of people, there arises a pressing need to address issues such as insufficient and outdated infrastructure, urban decay, and environmental challenges.
Urban renewal efforts are particularly crucial in rapidly urbanising regions such as Asia and Africa. For example, Asia is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing megacities, including Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, and Mumbai. In Africa, cities like Lagos, Kinshasa, and Cairo have experienced dramatic population growth in recent years. However, urban renewal is not confined to large metropolises alone. Smaller towns and cities across the world are also undergoing transformation through renewal projects. These renewal initiatives are driven by the recognition of the fact that cities are engines of economic growth and innovation, and investing in their renewal can yield significant social, economic, and environmental benefits.
As cities expand, incorporating green spaces into renewal projects becomes essential to maintain ecological balance and combat urban heat island effects. Parks, urban forests, and green corridors act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and providing natural habitats for biodiversity. These efforts contribute to climate change mitigation and help cities adapt to rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, cities need to also prepare for increased risks of flooding, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events. Urban renewal initiatives can prioritise climate-resilient infrastructure, mimicking natural drainage systems, and protecting vulnerable coastal areas. By adopting such measures, cities can enhance their capacity to withstand climate-related challenges and minimise damage.
Urban renewal efforts benefit from international collaboration and knowledge sharing. Cities around the world need to learn from each other’s successes and challenges, fostering a global community of urban practitioners dedicated to sustainable urban development.
With the growth in urban populations comes the need for urban renewal and redevelopment. As cities expand to accommodate the influx of people, there arises a pressing need to address issues such as insufficient and outdated infrastructure, urban decay, and environmental challenges.
Urban renewal efforts are particularly crucial in rapidly urbanising regions such as Asia and Africa. For example, Asia is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing megacities, including Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, and Mumbai. In Africa, cities like Lagos, Kinshasa, and Cairo have experienced dramatic population growth in recent years. However, urban renewal is not confined to large metropolises alone. Smaller towns and cities across the world are also undergoing transformation through renewal projects. These renewal initiatives are driven by the recognition of the fact that cities are engines of economic growth and innovation, and investing in their renewal can yield significant social, economic, and environmental benefits.
As cities expand, incorporating green spaces into renewal projects becomes essential to maintain ecological balance and combat urban heat island effects. Parks, urban forests, and green corridors act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and providing natural habitats for biodiversity. These efforts contribute to climate change mitigation and help cities adapt to rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
As the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, cities need to also prepare for increased risks of flooding, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events. Urban renewal initiatives can prioritise climate-resilient infrastructure, mimicking natural drainage systems, and protecting vulnerable coastal areas. By adopting such measures, cities can enhance their capacity to withstand climate-related challenges and minimise damage.
Urban renewal efforts benefit from international collaboration and knowledge sharing. Cities around the world need to learn from each other’s successes and challenges, fostering a global community of urban practitioners dedicated to sustainable urban development.
“68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050. ”
What were towns yesterday are now classified as cities. What were cities are now described as megacities. Their boundaries have expanded, and populations have increased, putting extraordinary pressure on existing infrastructure and resources, which has rendered our cities, big and small, decrepit. They are tottering and on the verge of collapsing into unmanageable chaos.
Moreover, most metros now face skyrocketing land prices, depleting natural resources and their haphazard development have made them vulnerable to disasters. To ensure sustainable growth, the interdependence between cities and villages must be recognised. Suburban regions and rural areas need focused investment in quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure to reduce unnecessary migration to cities.
Cities, in turn, should act as service centers for their surrounding rural regions. Fortunately, India has taken several initiatives in this direction. The emphasis has been on bridging physical gaps through infrastructural development and addressing societal gaps by providing equal opportunities in healthcare, education, technology, and employment.
Technology, such as satellite imagery, is being leveraged to plan cities better and decongest existing road networks. The aim is to de-stress cities and provide world-class infrastructure, amenities, and ease of living for their residents. Urban renewal in India goes beyond superficial changes. It involves infusing life into cities, making them organic, living entities that cater to the needs and well-being of their people.
The ultimate goal is to create vibrant, livable cities that strike a harmonious balance between urban development and ecological sustainability.
Urban renewal in India, especially with respect to the environment, has become an essential aspect of sustainable urban development in recent years. As cities continue to grow and face challenges related to pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, there is increasing recognition of the need to integrate environmental considerations into urban renewal projects. Accordingly, urban renewal needs to focus on improving public transport, creating aesthetically pleasing urban structures, and developing sustainable markets that benefit the community rather than solely serving real estate promoters.
The introduction of the Smart Cities Mission marked a significant turning point in urban renewal, ushering in reforms to encourage improved economic standards, smart governance, climate-sensitive sustainable environments, vibrant public spaces, digital access, and health and hygiene.
To address the acute housing shortage in urban areas and promote inclusive urbanization, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has been instrumental in providing safe and decent housing for economically weaker sections.
Sustainable mobility lies at the heart of building resilient cities. The country has successfully delivered nearly 1000 kilometers of Metro Rail systems, significantly improving living conditions and easing transportation. The Make in India initiative has further bolstered indigenous capacity for the production of transportation systems, promoting self-reliance in the sector. Moreover, there is a strong focus on enhancing climate resilience through climate-adaptive measures such as flood-resistant infrastructure, natural drainage systems, and protection of coastal areas from rising sea levels.
Green governance practices play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability in urban renewal. Indian cities have set an extraordinary example, particularly during challenging times, by meticulously following preventive measures, with widespread community participation. Local residents are actively engaged in decision-making processes, awareness campaigns, and environmental initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for sustainable urban development.
Sankala Foundation plays a vital role in urban renewal by championing climate and sustainability. Through advocacy, research, and capacity building, the Foundation promotes environmentally responsible urban development. It emphasises the importance of sustainable infrastructure, green spaces, and biodiversity preservation, enhancing the quality of life for residents. By encouraging research and advocacy in climate-resilient transport, waste management, and disaster management strategies, the Foundation facilitates cities to be better equipped to handle environmental challenges. Through research and innovation, the Foundation identifies and implements sustainable technologies and solutions that contribute towards a greener future. Moreover, Sankala Foundation encourages active engagement with local communities, fostering inclusivity and aligning urban renewal projects with the specific needs and priorities of residents. In all its endeavours, the Foundation contributes to the creation of resilient, eco-friendly cities that thrive amidst the challenges posed by climate change and environmental pressures.
Moreover, most metros now face skyrocketing land prices, depleting natural resources and their haphazard development have made them vulnerable to disasters. To ensure sustainable growth, the interdependence between cities and villages must be recognised. Suburban regions and rural areas need focused investment in quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure to reduce unnecessary migration to cities.
Cities, in turn, should act as service centers for their surrounding rural regions. Fortunately, India has taken several initiatives in this direction. The emphasis has been on bridging physical gaps through infrastructural development and addressing societal gaps by providing equal opportunities in healthcare, education, technology, and employment.
Technology, such as satellite imagery, is being leveraged to plan cities better and decongest existing road networks. The aim is to de-stress cities and provide world-class infrastructure, amenities, and ease of living for their residents. Urban renewal in India goes beyond superficial changes. It involves infusing life into cities, making them organic, living entities that cater to the needs and well-being of their people.
The ultimate goal is to create vibrant, livable cities that strike a harmonious balance between urban development and ecological sustainability.
Urban renewal in India, especially with respect to the environment, has become an essential aspect of sustainable urban development in recent years. As cities continue to grow and face challenges related to pollution, resource depletion, and climate change, there is increasing recognition of the need to integrate environmental considerations into urban renewal projects. Accordingly, urban renewal needs to focus on improving public transport, creating aesthetically pleasing urban structures, and developing sustainable markets that benefit the community rather than solely serving real estate promoters.
The introduction of the Smart Cities Mission marked a significant turning point in urban renewal, ushering in reforms to encourage improved economic standards, smart governance, climate-sensitive sustainable environments, vibrant public spaces, digital access, and health and hygiene.
To address the acute housing shortage in urban areas and promote inclusive urbanization, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has been instrumental in providing safe and decent housing for economically weaker sections.
Sustainable mobility lies at the heart of building resilient cities. The country has successfully delivered nearly 1000 kilometers of Metro Rail systems, significantly improving living conditions and easing transportation. The Make in India initiative has further bolstered indigenous capacity for the production of transportation systems, promoting self-reliance in the sector. Moreover, there is a strong focus on enhancing climate resilience through climate-adaptive measures such as flood-resistant infrastructure, natural drainage systems, and protection of coastal areas from rising sea levels.
Green governance practices play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability in urban renewal. Indian cities have set an extraordinary example, particularly during challenging times, by meticulously following preventive measures, with widespread community participation. Local residents are actively engaged in decision-making processes, awareness campaigns, and environmental initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for sustainable urban development.
Sankala Foundation plays a vital role in urban renewal by championing climate and sustainability. Through advocacy, research, and capacity building, the Foundation promotes environmentally responsible urban development. It emphasises the importance of sustainable infrastructure, green spaces, and biodiversity preservation, enhancing the quality of life for residents. By encouraging research and advocacy in climate-resilient transport, waste management, and disaster management strategies, the Foundation facilitates cities to be better equipped to handle environmental challenges. Through research and innovation, the Foundation identifies and implements sustainable technologies and solutions that contribute towards a greener future. Moreover, Sankala Foundation encourages active engagement with local communities, fostering inclusivity and aligning urban renewal projects with the specific needs and priorities of residents. In all its endeavours, the Foundation contributes to the creation of resilient, eco-friendly cities that thrive amidst the challenges posed by climate change and environmental pressures.
