PM Modi’s Smart Cities, Housing for All is smart but ambitious!
Advertisement
Advertisement
“There are so many challenges that we have to overcome. Lack of basic amenities, disconnect between the state authorities and the communities as well as inefficient use of resources, needs to be addressed,” said renowned environmentalist GK Bhat, chairman of Taru, Leading Edge Pvt. Ltd, a trans-disciplinary management consultancy that has been working on India’s development challenges.
He added that at present in mega cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, there are several basic infrastructural issues that need to be addressed. “Even in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, there are several existing issues that need to be addressed before we can think of building. So, if such issues are not resolved, then how can we build smart cities,” explained Bhat.
Sachin Agarwal, chairman and managing director of Maple Shelters, had said sometime back that the current trends indicate that the next 10-12 years, the number of low-income urban dwellers will surge over 106 million. “Throughout, India will continue to figure among the most housing-challenged nations unless the government delivers on its electoral promise to make housing for all a reality. The difference between what most households can afford to pay for a home without spending more than 30% of their income and cost of an acceptable normal housing unit is called the affordability gap. Needless to say, the affordable urban housing gap will only increase as urban populations grow,” he noted.
However, Shubhranshu Pani, managing director,
Advertisement
Nevertheless, while there is much excitement about the projects, there are still many red flags that the government needs to address before PM Modi’s dream of Housing for All by 2022 is fulfilled. Until then, let’s wait and watch!
Advertisement
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- Vodafone Idea FPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP and more
- Investing Guide: Building an aggressive portfolio with Special Situation Funds
- Markets climb in early trade on firm global trends; extend winning momentum to 3rd day running
- Impact of AI on Art and Creativity
- Reliance Industries quarterly profit stays flat; annual earnings hit record at ₹69,621 crore
- IPL 2024: CSK v LSG overall head-to-head; When and where to watch