India’s rapid urbanisation presents an economic opportunity: Hardeep Puri

Union govt. says urbanisation presents economic opp. Implementing urban planning reforms key to making cities attractive investment destinations. ₹15,000 crore allocated to implement reforms, Hardeep Puri said

The Union government on Thursday said that the country’s rapid urbanisation presented an economic opportunity and implementing urban planning reforms were key to making the cities attractive investment destinations.

Addressing a conclave on urban planning here, Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Puri said that ₹15,000 crore had been allocated to implement various reforms in the urban sector.

He said the Union Urban Affairs Ministry had incentivised and prioritised reforms in areas such as modernisation of building bye-laws, integrated urban place designs to bring people and public spaces together, aided in integration of blue and green infrastructure through nature-based solutions and increased capacity building.

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The way forward was creating a holistic policy ecosystem for ensuring last-mile access to services, enhanced operational efficiencies, area-based planning, infusion of digital technology, ease of doing business and outcome-based performance frameworks, he said.

Mr. Puri said that the various missions under the aegis of the Ministry had helped make a quantum jump in the quality of life in cities “by providing universal access to water and sanitation, creating sustainable transportation infrastructure and addressing affordable housing requirements”.