Expert speaks about urban problems

AHMEDABAD, Feb 23: Urbanisation is a global issue, but its development and management lies in local hands, said Rakesh Mohan, director general of National Council of Applied Economic Research on Tuesday during his valedictory address at Centre for Environment Planning and Technology CEPT.

Exploring the challenges and possibilities for the young graduates of CEPT, Mohan said that the solutions to the problems of urban India are to be found locally as the human civilisation has not witnessed such large-scale transformation and hence there are no examples to look for. Though urbanisation has slowed down in late 8217;80s, Mohan said the hardships faced by the urban population has not declined. According to the available data, over 40 per cent urban areas face water problems. He said this problem has social dimensions, with women and children bearing the brunt of fetching water and wasting time.

He wanted the future urban managers to look into local financing too and gave example of city municipal corporation8217;s bond issue. Mohan wanted the CEPT alumni to concentrate on structural investments as governments pay attention only to infrastructure development.

Mohan was sad that investment in urban planning was still inadequate even though civic amenities are crashing under increasing demand for quality services. He sought an efficient look at urban planning and financing from a decentralised point of view. This he said is key to proper growth of urban India.

Later the Eklavya Education Foundation Scholarship awards were given to Kousheyee Ghosh and Batchu Kiran Kumar.