Sustainable Development Goals SDG 11 - India and Comparision

Progress on SDG 11: India’s Sustainable Cities vs. Global Performance

by Aarul
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Introduction

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This goal is critical as more than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, and this figure is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. SDG 11 encompasses various targets and indicators to measure progress, including affordable housing, sustainable transport systems, inclusive urbanization, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage. This article examines India’s progress towards achieving SDG 11, comparing it with other countries to provide a comprehensive view of global efforts in creating sustainable cities and communities.

Sustainable Development Goals SDG 11 - India and Comparision

SDG 11 Targets and Indicators: –

SDG 11 consists of several specific targets, each with corresponding indicators to track progress. Key targets include:

  1. Safe and Affordable Housing: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, and upgrade slums.
  2. Sustainable Transport Systems: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
  3. Inclusive Urbanization: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
  4. Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
  5. Disaster Risk Reduction: Significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.
  6. Environmental Impact of Cities: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
  7. Green and Public Spaces: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.

Key Indicators:-

Some of the key indicators used to measure progress towards SDG 11 include:

  • Proportion of urban population living in slums.
  • Proportion of the population with convenient access to public transport.
  • Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate.
  • Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters.
  • Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) in cities.
  • Proportion of urban areas allocated to open spaces.

India’s Progress on SDG 11:-

Safe and Affordable Housing: India has made significant strides in providing affordable housing through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which aims to provide housing for all by 2022. As of 2023, millions of houses have been sanctioned under PMAY, targeting urban slum dwellers and economically weaker sections.

Sustainable Transport Systems: India is investing heavily in sustainable transport infrastructure, including the expansion of metro networks in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Additionally, the Smart Cities Mission focuses on enhancing urban mobility with smart solutions like integrated public transport systems and e-mobility options.

Inclusive Urbanization: The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Smart Cities Mission aim to promote inclusive urbanization by improving basic infrastructure and ensuring citizen participation in planning processes. These programs emphasize water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and green spaces.

Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage: India has a rich cultural heritage, and efforts to protect these sites have been strengthened. Initiatives like the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) focus on preserving and revitalizing heritage cities.

Disaster Risk Reduction: India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been proactive in implementing disaster risk reduction strategies. Early warning systems, community awareness programs, and better infrastructure have contributed to reducing the impact of natural disasters.

Environmental Impact of Cities: Air pollution remains a significant challenge for Indian cities. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% by 2024. Waste management practices are also being improved under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Green and Public Spaces: Efforts to enhance urban greenery include developing parks, green belts, and urban forests. Initiatives like the Urban Forestry Scheme aim to increase green cover in cities, providing residents with accessible recreational spaces.

Comparison with Other Countries:-

China: China has made substantial progress in urban sustainability through massive investments in infrastructure, smart city technologies, and public transportation. Cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen are pioneers in implementing sustainable urban solutions, including extensive metro systems and green building practices. However, air pollution remains a significant issue.

United States: The U.S. has diverse approaches to sustainable urban development. Cities like New York and San Francisco lead in green building standards and public transportation. However, urban sprawl and car dependency in many cities pose challenges to sustainability. Initiatives like Vision Zero aim to reduce traffic fatalities and enhance urban safety.

Germany: Germany is known for its comprehensive urban planning and sustainability initiatives. Cities like Berlin and Hamburg have advanced public transport systems, extensive cycling infrastructure, and strong policies on renewable energy and waste management. Germany’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting green spaces is evident in its urban policies.

Brazil: Brazil faces significant challenges in urban sustainability, particularly in addressing the needs of informal settlements (favelas). Programs like Minha Casa Minha Vida aim to provide affordable housing, but progress is slow. Efforts to improve public transportation and reduce pollution are ongoing but hampered by economic constraints.

South Africa: South Africa’s urban areas struggle with inequality and segregation. Initiatives like the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF) aim to promote inclusive urbanization. However, issues like inadequate housing, poor public transport, and environmental degradation remain critical challenges.

Related: Sustainable Development Goals United Nations, Millennium Development Goals

Conclusion

India’s progress towards achieving SDG 11 highlights significant achievements in areas such as affordable housing, sustainable transport, and inclusive urbanization. However, challenges like air pollution and waste management persist. When compared to other countries, India’s efforts are commendable but require continued focus and innovation to address the complexities of urban sustainability comprehensively. By learning from global best practices and fostering international cooperation, India can accelerate its journey towards creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.

References

  1. Forester, J. (1989). Planning in the Face of Power. University of California Press.
  2. Healey, P. (1997). Collaborative Planning: Shaping Places in Fragmented Societies. Macmillan.
  3. Innes, J. E., & Booher, D. E. (2010). Planning with Complexity: An Introduction to Collaborative Rationality for Public Policy. Routledge.
  4. Portland Development Commission. (n.d.). South Waterfront Project. Retrieved from Portland Development Commission.

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