Why Indian cities need sustainability

Very often, the impacts of climate change are studied in terms of rural areas. The rural approach in terms of impact assessment from climate change is justified because the rural population of the country are the most vulnerable because of their dependency on natural resources. The government of India along with several key international and domestic non-governmental organisation are working towards adaptation and mitigation mechanisms to minimize the impacts of climate change mostly in rural areas.

With respect to climate change, adaptation means antedating the impacts of climate change and acclimating to the impacts either to minimize the damage (Switching to renewable sources) or to reap the benefit from the impacts (Changing agricultural patterns with respect to the changing climate). Mitigation means limiting the emissions of greenhouse gases by using new technology or renewable technology and by changing older technology more efficient.

The urban centers of India are also under pressure from the impacts of climate change. The impacts can be seen in the bad air quality levels in the major cities. Congestion, ground water pollution, lack of green cover, climate variability and change are gripping the urban cities. One must not overlook the contribution of the cities in the carbon emission list. The ever increasing automobiles on the street are emitting carbon dioxide, Air-conditioners, and other electric appliances are consuming electricity which is increasing the demand for more. According to the Food & Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) report states that, “Cities occupy less than 3% of the global terrestrial surface but accounts for 78% of the carbon emissions”. The improvement in the quality of life is not improving the environment in the urban areas.  

The problem is the lack of attention from the policy makers. Considerable work has been done in the rural areas but somehow very little has been done in the urban settings. Though sustainable practices like carpooling and consumption of power saving home appliances are being followed by the people but it has not happened on a larger scale. The depleting levels and pollution of groundwater is another big problem in the urban areas.

The solution lies in developing a framework in tandem to the United Nation’s Sustainable cities programme. 

The main focus of the policy makers have to be on improving resource use and reducing pollution and poverty. The growing number of slums in urban hubs of India does not have access to the basic services. Waste management is a big issue in the urban areas where waste is being burnt in the open with the minimum segregation. Sanitation is another facet where much improvement is required. Open defecation and urination is also an issue in the urban areas. More public toilet complexes should be made for addressing this issue. From the gender perspective, women have been vulnerable because of the lack of sanitation infrastructure.

Safe drinking water is another issue where more emphasis should be given. The groundwater should be protected and new groundwater conservation and rainwater harvesting should be given priority. Increasing the green cover of urban areas should also be in the priority list of the policy makers as to tackle the increasing carbon emissions, green cover in a city is the necessary. For instance, the concept of urban green space can be implemented.    

Urban areas are the economic hotbeds where people come to better their standard of living. But without a healthy environment, there is no improvement in the standard of living. The need of the hour in India is more sustainable cities.