As urban areas in India rapidly expand, the need for sustainable development becomes increasingly critical. By 2050, it is estimated that nearly 68% of the global population will reside in cities, putting immense pressure on infrastructure, resources, and the environment. In India, where cities are experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation, this urgency is amplified. Urbanization is not just changing the physical landscape; it is reshaping the social, economic, and environmental aspects of urban life.
India’s urban population is projected to reach nearly 600 million by 2030, putting immense pressure on key resources such as housing, transportation, water, and energy. To address this growing challenge, the country is prioritizing sustainable urban development to minimize environmental impact and improve the quality of life in cities. The integration of green infrastructure, advanced technologies, and efficient urban planning is seen as a critical solution for creating sustainable, resilient, and liveable urban environments. Initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission are core to this strategy, aiming to modernize urban infrastructure using sustainable practices.
Integrating green infrastructure
Green infrastructure integrates nature within the urban process and provides effective solutions to environmental and social issues; such green infrastructure includes parks, green roofs, permeable pavements, rainwater systems, and energy-efficient buildings. In an era of rising pollution levels, increased energy consumption, and water shortages, cities should consider green infrastructure as a solution.
Cities like Bengaluru and Pune have considered the development of green spaces and water management systems, which reduced urban heat islands and hence improved the air quality. Research actually shows the following: proper green infrastructure can have a cooling effect of 4°C, reduce energy use between 5-10%, and cut storm runoff up to 70%. These are vital for India, considering that it is among the fastest-urbanizing countries experiencing increasing urban heat islands.
A huge challenge in Indian cities is pollution, especially air pollution. A recent study by IQAir ranked several Indian cities among the most polluted in the world. Green infrastructure such as urban forests and vertical gardens may help to mitigate such negative effects. While trees along any road in urban spaces provide shade, they also act like natural filters trapping pollutants in the atmosphere including nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, green roofs and walls can improve building insulation, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling, thus conserving energy.
The smart cities mission
India launched its Smart Cities Mission in 2015, an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming urban areas through technology-enabled solutions. The mission set out to develop 100 cities across the country by integrating data and technology into urban infrastructure, thereby enhancing the quality of life, and promoting sustainable living. The mission focuses on areas like water supply, energy management, waste disposal, and efficient public transportation systems.
The use of IoT, sensor networks, and AI in the Smart Cities Mission builds a smart infrastructure that tackles real-time urban challenges such as energy consumption, traffic management, and water and waste management. For example, Surat has implemented smart sensors in its water supply system, resulting in a 15% reduction in water loss and improving distribution efficiency. This highlights how smart city technologies can improve resource management.
Furthermore, smart cities enhance resilience against climate change and extreme weather events. In cities like Bhubaneswar, smart sensors collect real-time data on flood risks during monsoon seasons, enabling quick responses from local authorities to minimize damage. As urban centres continue to face rising energy demands, evolving technologies are key to addressing these challenges. The Indian government also promotes the adoption of smart grids in cities, which not only improve energy efficiency but also integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind power into the grid. The Ministry of Power projects that India’s energy demand will double by 2040, making the adoption of sustainable smart energy solutions critical.
Cities such as Pune are already implementing energy-efficient technologies like LED streetlights, which drastically reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to a more sustainable urban environment.
Benefits for local economies and the environment
Green infrastructure and smart city initiatives bring numerous benefits to the environment as well as to the local economies apart from improving living standards for the residents. Among economic advantages, reduced operational costs for all city services and water, and energy management shall be cited, besides green employment. The International Labour Organization states that shifting to a green economy could generate 24 million jobs worldwide by 2030, especially in urban areas like India.
Rising urban flooding results from poor drainage in many cities. Through permeable pavements and rain gardens, cities can soak up the rainwater and reduce the pressure on drainage before it becomes expensive to flood.
Environmental advantages are even more compelling. Green spaces improve the quality of air, reduce carbon emission, and enhance biodiversity in cities. Studies also show that cities investing in green infrastructure tend to have relatively low levels of carbon footprints. For instance, for the same reasons that green roofs save energy, green walls too can capture carbon dioxide, which directly makes a difference in mitigating climate change.
Green infrastructure significantly contributes to the liveability of urban environments. Residents will have the opportunity to breathe cleaner air, experience cooler areas, and access an increased number of recreational spaces. Research indicates that the availability of green space can enhance mental health, alleviate stress, and encourage meaningful activities among individuals residing in urban areas.
Conclusion
India’s leadership in sustainable urbanization can serve as a model for other developing countries. As one of the largest economies transitioning toward green urbanization, India is well-positioned to drive innovation in green buildings, smart city technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Its commitment to sustainable development, demonstrated by initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and the Green Building Movement, presents a scalable approach that can be replicated in cities worldwide facing similar urban challenges.
As rapid urbanization continues across India, the Smart Cities Mission and other green initiatives are showing promising results. Investing in these solutions not only reduces the environmental impact of cities but also creates jobs and improves living conditions. The integration of green infrastructure with smart city technologies throughout India’s urban areas can serve as a global blueprint for sustainable urban development, positioning India as a leader in the fight against climate change while driving economic and social benefits at the same time.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): P. Gopalakrishnan
Quelle/Source: Construction Week, 13.11.2024
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