Rising Urbanization in India: Solutions for Pollution & Sustainable Growth Shared in Jaipur Symposium

Jaipur, November 11, 2024: The Rising Urbanization is reshaping societies worldwide, bringing both opportunities and challenges. To address the local and global impact of urbanization, Jaipur hosted the 90th symposium of the Mukta Manch organization on the theme “Rising Urbanization: Challenges and Solutions.” Held under the guidance of Dr. Pushpalata Garg and chaired by Dr. Narendra Sharma ‘Kusum,’ the event brought together experts, retired IAS officers, and other thought leaders to discuss the pressing issues of urbanization, pollution, and sustainable development.

Key Issues Addressed in the Symposium

During this session, the discussions focused on the urgent need for effective urban management, highlighting how rising urbanization contributes to pollution and disrupts environmental balance. Key speakers, including retired IAS officers Arun Ojha and Rajendra Bhanawat, emphasized that the government alone cannot solve these challenges. Instead, they stressed the need for community-led initiatives, collaborative efforts, and responsible urban planning.

Causes of Rising Urbanization and Pollution

Dr. Narendra Sharma ‘Kusum,’ a prominent speaker, discussed the human-driven nature of urbanization and pollution. He noted that while nature provides clean resources, the rapid urban expansion and unsustainable practices in cities are creating severe pollution issues. He argued that political institutions often lack effective implementation strategies, and governmental policies remain ineffective without strong public involvement.

Role of Authorities in Managing Urbanization

Main Guest Arun Ojha, a retired IAS officer, highlighted the role of municipal and government bodies in city planning, particularly in managing water, electricity, road infrastructure, and waste disposal. He expressed concerns over how many urban centers lack basic facilities such as adequate footpaths and efficient waste management for plastic, electronic waste, and batteries. Ojha called for strict enforcement of urban regulations and stressed that cities like Jaipur, designed centuries ago, now face immense pressure due to modern urban expansion.

Expert Opinions on Urbanization Solutions

1. Systematic City Planning: Ojha and other experts agreed that urban growth must be managed through planned infrastructure and environmental policies to handle city expansion sustainably.
2. Population and Migration Control: Former Chief Engineer Damodar Chirania pointed out that as population density increases, people naturally migrate from villages to cities, requiring better health, education, and employment facilities. This demand drives infrastructure expansion but also increases pollution.
3. Environmental Responsibility: Senior journalist Rajendra Boda emphasized that understanding the difference between climate change (a global phenomenon) and pollution (a local issue) is crucial. Boda shared the example of New Jersey, where efficient waste management practices keep pollution in check. He argued that proactive local governance could create cleaner and healthier cities.
4. Self-Reliant Villages: Special Guest Rajendra Bhanawat stressed Gandhi’s vision of self-sufficient villages to reduce migration to cities. According to Bhanawat, villages should meet their own needs rather than relying on urban centers, and reducing dependence on imported goods could encourage local industries.

Sustainable Development and Waste Management

Speakers discussed the pressing need for sustainable development and efficient waste management to curb pollution. Dr. Mangala Songara shared that urbanization issues have socio-economic and political aspects, with government departments often lacking accountability in tackling pollution effectively.

1. Pollution Management: Various kinds of pollution, such as air, water, and soil contamination, need specialized treatment, regulations, and public awareness to mitigate their impact.
2. Waste Reduction: Farooq Afridy, a senior satirist and journalist, emphasized the importance of reducing waste through recycling and reusing materials. He highlighted that while climate change is a global issue, pollution in cities can be controlled by individuals and local governments.
3. Increasing Public Awareness: Dr. Savitri Raizada and GK Srivastava also discussed the need for environmental education to build a responsible society. They highlighted the role of social media in raising awareness about urban pollution and effective waste management.

Promoting Self-Reliance to Reduce Urban Dependence

Speakers agreed on the need to boost rural self-reliance to reduce urban congestion. Sri Krishna Sharma, President of Shabd Sansar, remarked that urbanization in India began late compared to other countries. However, projections show that by 2060, about half of India’s population will reside in cities, creating greater demand for sustainable urban planning.

Sharma pointed to the Worldometer report by the UN, showing that India’s population is already over 1.45 billion, with pollution and waste production increasing at a rapid rate. For instance, New Delhi recently recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of around 400, prompting strict controls on diesel usage and waste management. Sharma emphasized that strict air, soil, and water quality standards are essential to keep pollution in check as urban populations continue to grow.

Actionable Recommendations for Clean Cities

The symposium concluded with a series of recommendations for improving urban living conditions and promoting sustainable city growth:

1. Enhanced Waste Management: Implementing robust waste collection and recycling facilities across cities, especially for e-waste, is essential.
2. Strict Pollution Controls: Governments must enforce air quality standards and restrict high-pollution activities in urban areas.
3. Community Engagement: Active public participation in city cleanliness initiatives can create a sense of responsibility and improve compliance.
4. Integrated Urban Policies: Collaboration between government departments and local organizations can lead to more holistic and effective urban planning.
5. Village Empowerment: Focusing on making villages self-reliant can reduce migration to cities and lessen the environmental load on urban centers.

Building Sustainable and Pollution-Free Cities

The “Rising Urbanization Challenges and Solutions” symposium in Jaipur offered a platform for experts to address the adverse effects of rapid urbanization and propose practical solutions. Through collective effort and strategic urban planning, cities can become sustainable and cleaner. By empowering both rural and urban communities, implementing strict pollution controls, and fostering public awareness, a brighter and cleaner future can be achieved for cities across India and beyond.

External Resources for Sustainable Urban Development

Worldometer Urbanization Report

UN Sustainable Development Goals