Urbanisation can be simply defined as the rise of
cities vis-a-vis the rural landscape. As a country moves ahead on the road to
progress, cities tend to take center stage. In that manner, the rise of cities
has often been construed as an indicator of development and progress. The case
has been no different when it comes to Bihar. While the pace of urbanization
was a bit slack in the early years post-independence, it has really picked pace
in the past few decades, especially in the post-1991 phase. Coupled with
economic growth and expanding markets, the urban population now stands at
around 30% of the overall pie in India. Bihar lacks far behind the national
average and the urbanization rate in Bihar is just 11.3% as of 2011.
The picture of an urban Bihar is far from rosy.
From economic growth to demographic dividend in the form of a young population,
Bihar has many things going for it. If Bihar desires to shed its “laggard state”
tag planned urbanization needs to be given due attention. Upgrading existing
cities and creating new ones are prerequisites for economic progress and they
must take place in an organized manner.
Urbanization in Bihar has been a victim of
systemic inefficiencies and policy vacuum. While Bihar’s population is no doubt
increasing, quality of life of citizens in urban areas is declining. Moreover,
unchecked migration from rural areas is only putting further strain on the
infrastructure in cities. The result is water and power shortages, lack of
proper sewage collection and treatment, overburdened transport systems and
unplanned constructions in cities like Patna in Bihar.
It is imperative then to not only create new
‘smart’ cities, but also upgrade the existing ones. Developing newer cities
will bridge the rural-urban divide. This will in turn reduce social inequity,
one of the biggest psychological benefits of planned urbanization that will
incur in our state Bihar.
We in Bihar need to ensure that the process of
urbanization occurs in a smooth and phased manner. A carefully planned city
will attract investments, create jobs, have strong infrastructure, and most
importantly, up the standard of living of its citizens. Going ahead, the
contribution of cities to Bihar’s GDP will only increase. To adequately
leverage this, Bihar needs livable and productive cities.
 |
| www.buysellrentpatna.in |
Lost somewhere between the labyrinth of local and state bodies, municipal
corporations, urban development agencies, corruption and political will, Bihar’s
urban spaces are struggling to breathe? If unplanned growth of cities
continues, their state will only get more deplorable.
There has to be better cohesion between the
various agencies responsible for urban development and planning in cities of
Bihar. Sewage treatment, provision of clean water to citizens, robust
healthcare systems, efficient transport networks and strong governance must
form the blueprint of re-designing existing cities and creating new ones.
Technology can go a long way in helping realize the creation of smart, safe and
sustainable cities in Bihar. Every urban plan will need to have a
long-term view only then will economic growth happen. A myopic approach can
prove disastrous. To address such issues of scalability, one needs proper
research mechanism in place.
In a state such as Bihar, that witnesses
unchecked migration to urban areas, creation of smart cities is nothing short
of a landmark move. It has the potential to improve the administrative process
and also provide citizens access to quality healthcare, education, sanitation
and governance. With overpopulated cities and their strained infrastructure, Bihar
is already in the midst of an urban crisis. The only way out is planned
urbanization.
Public and private bodies must join hands and
come up with smart, sustainable and long-term solutions. Creating thriving and
self-sufficient urban spaces will not only ensure inclusive growth but
also contribute to overall economic advancement. The future of Bihar lies
in cities and we must fortify them if the state has to prosper.
 |
| www.buysellrentpatna.in |
Nice Blog Post… If someone wants to take a flat or apartment in your budget of 1bhk, 2bhk and 3bhk, then Godrej Hillside noida extension is giving you a good real estate property.
ReplyDelete