India’s urban future is at a crossroads, Pg9

• Indian cities are facing water shortages, electricity demand surges, and rising temperatures, exposing vulnerability to climate change and urban stress.

  • Sustainable Futures Collective report (2025) warns India is underprepared for climate extremes despite rapid urbanisation.

  • Urbanisation must focus on creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities aligned with SDG-11.

  • Analysis of 10 major cities using new indices showed large disparities in safety, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability.

Detailed Insights:

• Limitations of Current Indicators:

  • NITI Aayog’s SDG Urban Index assesses limited indicators (e.g., Swachh Survekshan, PMAY-U) and misses comprehensive ground realities.

    • Global indices like Mercer’s and Economist’s overlook localized urban challenges.

  • New Index Framework:

    • Cities assessed on 4 pillars: safety, inclusivity, resilience, sustainability.

    • Data sourced from diverse agencies like Census 2011, Transport Yearbook, Forest Survey, Labour Bureau, Meteorological Department, and Ease of Moving Index.

  • Key Findings:

    • Ahmedabad ranked highest in inclusivity, Jaipur lowest.

    • Bengaluru safest city; Kolkata weakest on safety.

    • Chennai led in climate resilience; Jaipur performed worst.

    • Kolkata showed significant gaps in sustainability.

  • Broader Challenges:

    • Need for localized governance, better urban planning, district-level monitoring, and real-time urban data frameworks.

    • Highlighted severe gaps in urban poverty data and housing indicators.

Significance:

• Highlights urgent need for evidence-based urban governance and climate-resilient infrastructure.

  • Stresses data-backed policy reforms for equitable, sustainable urban development.

  • Emphasizes bridging gaps in urban disaster preparedness, waste management, and inclusive city services.

  • Points toward the need for periodic Urban Poor Quality of Living Surveys at the state level to refine urban policy.

Mains Mock Question:

"India’s urbanisation story is marked by stark disparities in resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity. Critically discuss how a data-driven approach can help in achieving the SDG-11 targets."