Parliamentary panel seeks committee on urban infrastructure, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended the formation of a High-Level Expert Committee to evaluate India's urban infrastructure needs until 2047.
• The recommendation addresses the lack of an integrated long-term urban investment and strategy framework, which the committee believes could lead to fragmented planning and poor resource allocation.
• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs cited ongoing missions like AMRUT 2.0, SBM-U 2.0, PMAY-U 2.0, Metro Rail projects, and PM e-Bus Seva as contributors to improving urban life and supporting Viksit Bharat 2047.
• The committee noted that current flagship programs are largely scheme-driven and sector-specific.
• A 2022 report by NITI Aayog and Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlights the correlation between urbanization and GDP growth.
• The last comprehensive urban infrastructure assessment was conducted in 2011 by a High Powered Expert Committee (HPEC), with projections up to 2031.

Detailed Insights:

• The absence of an integrated framework may result in fragmented planning, inefficient resource allocation, and financial strain on urban development projects.
• The proposed committee would comprehensively assess urban infrastructure requirements, financing needs, governance reforms, and capacity-building imperatives.
• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs maintains that current missions are improving the quality of life in Indian cities and supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
• The committee emphasizes the need for a national-level evaluation of urban infrastructure demands beyond 2030, as the previous assessment is outdated.
• The NITI Aayog and ADB report, "Cities as Engines of Growth," underscores the importance of urbanization for economic expansion.
• The High Powered Expert Committee (HPEC) report in 2011 projected that 75% of Indians would reside in cities by 2030.

Key Concepts Involved:

• AMRUT 2.0: A scheme focused on ensuring tap water supply and sewerage management in urban areas.
• SBM-U 2.0: A scheme focused on toilets and solid waste management in urban areas.
• PMAY-U 2.0: A scheme focused on providing affordable housing in urban areas.