Answer

Urban resilience refers to a city’s ability to absorb, recover, and adapt to various challenges, ensuring sustainable growth and improved quality of life. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, the Indian government allocated ₹1 lakh crore to the Urban Challenge Fund, aiming to transform cities into growth hubs, promote creative redevelopment, and enhance water and sanitation infrastructure. This initiative underscores the commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive urban development

Indian Cities’ Struggle with Overcrowding and Poor Infrastructure

• Unplanned Urbanization: Rapid migration to cities has outpaced planning capacity, leading to slums, traffic congestion, and inadequate housing, straining basic amenities like water and sanitation.
  For example: Mumbai’s Dharavi slum, housing over 1 million people, lacks proper sewage and water supply, highlighting unregulated urban expansion.
• Traffic Congestion: Poor public transport integration and increasing private vehicle use result in severe congestion, reducing productivity and increasing air pollution.
  For example: Bengaluru’s average peak traffic speed of 18 km/h impacts economic efficiency and increases carbon emissions.
• Water and Waste Management Crisis: Cities suffer from water shortages, groundwater depletion, and poor waste disposal, leading to pollution and public health hazards.
  For example: Bengaluru’s Bellandur Lake frequently catches fire due to untreated industrial and household waste discharge.
• Air and Noise Pollution: Industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and construction dust degrade air quality, while urban noise levels exceed safe limits.
  For example: Delhi records PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO limits, causing respiratory diseases and economic losses.
• Deficient Social Infrastructure: Lack of affordable housing, hospitals, and schools in expanding urban regions forces low-income groups into unlivable conditions.
  For example: Mumbai’s housing shortage forces over 40% of residents into informal settlements with poor living conditions.

Role of Urban Governance in Addressing These Challenges

• Integrated Urban Planning: Smart city models with long-term planning, mixed land use, and transit-oriented development can create sustainable urban spaces.
  For example: Delhi RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System) has improved mobility while reducing congestion.
• Strengthening Municipal Governance: Decentralization of urban administration with empowered local bodies ensures efficient service delivery and accountability.
  For example: Kolkata’s ward committees help monitor waste management and sanitation services at the local level.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaboration with the private sector can enhance investment in infrastructure and technology-driven urban solutions.
  For example: Hyderabad Metro is a successful PPP project, providing a high-quality mass transit system.
• Smart Technology Integration: Use of AI, IoT, and GIS mapping in governance improves traffic management, waste disposal, and resource distribution.
  For example: Indore’s smart waste collection system uses RFID technology for efficient garbage disposal.
• Financial Sustainability: Cities need to enhance revenue generation through property taxes, congestion pricing, and user charges for long-term urban infrastructure funding.
  For example: Pune Municipal Corporation’s increased property tax collection funds urban development projects.

Making Cities Climate-Resilient and Livable

• Green Urban Infrastructure: Expanding green roofs, urban forests, and wetlands helps regulate temperatures and mitigate climate risks.
  For example: Singapore’s Green Corridor project connects parks and green spaces, improving air quality.
• Flood Resilient Planning: Improved drainage systems, sponge city models, and rainwater harvesting help mitigate urban flooding.
  For example: Chennai’s Adyar River restoration has reduced urban flooding risk during monsoons.
• Sustainable Transport: Expansion of electric buses, cycling lanes, and metro networks can reduce emissions and improve mobility.
  For example: Delhi’s EV policy promotes electric vehicle adoption, cutting transport emissions.
• Zero-Waste Cities: Adopting circular economy principles, composting, and plastic bans can address urban waste challenges.
  For example: Indore’s waste-to-energy plant converts garbage into electricity, reducing landfill burden.
• Heatwave Preparedness: Implementing cool roofs, shaded walkways, and heat action plans can reduce climate vulnerability.
  For example: Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan has significantly reduced heat wave-related fatalities.

Empowered urban governance is the cornerstone of sustainable cities. By integrating technology-driven planning, decentralized administration, and community participation, cities can transform into efficient, inclusive, and climate-resilient hubs. The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund must incentivize green infrastructure, transit-oriented development, and smart solutions. A synergy of policy, finance, and innovation will redefine urban India’s future.

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