Tikender Panwar is former deputy mayor of Shimla and an expert in urban issues. Currently based in Delhi, he works on policy matters and is guest faculty at several urban planning institutes.
Urban governance frameworks are being upended by projects under the Smart Cities Mission, further widening inequity and hampering sustainable development.
From land-use change to heritage protection to building laws, the government’s thrust on fast completion of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project has led to several violations.
Even a cursory review of plans reveal that instead of emphasising sustainable development, most fall back on capital intensive technologies for finding solutions.
The ideological mooring of the union government has led to the systematic dismantling of the public health sector and made way for commoditisation of healthcare.
The only way the present crisis can be mitigated is by re-designating existing facilities and changing the ‘work as usual’ mindset. We need to think out of the box.
It is high time we start discussing how our cities are to be governed. Parliament should consider framing a 4th list apart from the present Union, Concurrent and State Lists.
The 15th Finance Commission has recommended a road map for devolution of funds to states and ULBs. But it completely ignores their real aspirations and needs, feels the author.
