Urbanization is a significant phenomenon affecting countries worldwide, including India. It refers to the process by which an increasing percentage of a country's population begins to reside in urban areas. Currently, India experiences an annual urban population growth rate of approximately 2% to 2.5%.
The Indian government has implemented various housing schemes to cater to diverse economic segments. One such initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), which aims to provide affordable housing for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Middle Income Groups (MIG). Additionally, there are new rental housing schemes designed for dormitory-type accommodations specifically targeting industrial workers.
Essential services form the backbone of urban living. These include water supply, sanitation, roads, and sewerage systems, collectively referred to as core infrastructure. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a program aimed at enhancing these essential services to improve urban living conditions.
The Smart Cities Mission is another crucial initiative by the government, focusing on economic growth and elevating the quality of life in urban areas. This mission emphasizes local area development and the use of technology to transform cities into smart urban spaces. A new component, the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM), is introduced to digitize property and tax records, further enhancing urban governance.
The government is actively addressing environmental challenges in urban regions. Recently, a budget provision of ₹1,300 crore was allocated to promote electric bus systems in cities to mitigate pollution levels. Additionally, projects for solid waste management (SWM) are being developed in collaboration with state governments and financial institutions, utilizing the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme.
Urbanization poses significant threats to biodiversity, often leading to habitat loss and fragmentation. Effective urban planning is essential to minimize these impacts, ensuring that green spaces are integrated into urban designs to support local ecosystems.
Sustainable development is a primary focus in urban planning efforts, emphasizing efficient waste management and eco-friendly transportation. Through these initiatives, the government aims to manage the increasing urban population effectively.
Indian cities face various geographical challenges, including overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure. To address these issues, the budget proposes substantial investments, including ₹11.11 lakh crore for capital expenditure on infrastructure and ₹1.50 lakh crore as an interest-free loan to states for development projects.
The budget also highlights the importance of planned urban development, focusing on mass rapid transit systems and the development of peri-urban areas. Provisions of ₹500 crore have been made for the incubation of new cities, aimed at enhancing connectivity.
Q1. How is the government addressing environmental concerns in urban areas?
Answer: The Budget has announced the promotion of electric bus systems in cities to reduce pollution. A provision of ₹1,300 crore has been made for this purpose.
Q2. What measures are being taken for solid waste management in cities?
Answer: The Budget has introduced bankable projects for solid waste management (SWM) in collaboration with State governments and financial institutions. The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme can be utilized for these projects.
Q3. What is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)?
Answer: Launched in 2015, this housing scheme aims to provide affordable housing to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Middle Income Groups (MIG). The Budget proposes constructing an additional one crore units with a ₹10 lakh crore investment.
Q4. What is the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)?
Answer: AMRUT is a mission focused on providing basic infrastructure in cities, including water supply, sanitation, roads, and sewerage systems. The Budget allocates ₹8,000 crore for AMRUT.
Q5. How does the Budget support the Smart Cities Mission?
Answer: The Budget provides ₹2,400 crore for the Smart Cities Mission and introduces the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) with a budget of ₹1,150 crore for digitization efforts.
Question 1: What is the primary aim of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)?
A) To promote electric vehicles
B) To provide affordable housing
C) To improve public transportation
D) To enhance biodiversity
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which program focuses on providing basic infrastructure in urban areas?
A) Smart Cities Mission
B) AMRUT
C) National Urban Digital Mission
D) Housing for All
Correct Answer: B
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