SDG 11 - SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES AND ITS RELEVANCE TO INDIA

SDG 11 - SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES AND ITS RELEVANCE TO INDIA

Introduction
In the extreme fast growing atmosphere with Technology, AI and e-commerce taking control of the world all over, it becomes pertinent to have sustainable living conditions. Cities are considered as identities of civilized society with efficient markets, drainage systems, safety and law and order. It is where our families live, we go to work, our future children will play. However, the current state of affairs is saddening because these cities have become overcrowded with insufficient availability of resources, natural horrors like floods, droughts, poor drainage facilities etc. These contribute to economic disparities while capitalism drives responsibility for poor health, education, skill development and hence, the haunts of unemployment, rising inflation and very poor standard of living.
Maintaining cities sustainably is a transaction in terms of costs and benefits involved. On the cost side, we have the finances it takes to train people, developing systems and operating procedures while the benefits in a typical scenario are long term such as green environments, lesser ecological footprint, more recycling which all are for future generations. The key stakeholders are the consumers (private), Government (public), corporations and NGOs. Several countries have hard rules like investing in renewable energy, CSR funds towards environment etc. which all basically started out after the COP 21 in 2015 in Paris. However, there still exists a vast disproportionate utilization and commitment at these efforts and them not being legally binding makes it all the more difficult for accountability. 
The United Smart Cities challenge as a Sustainable goal  was initiated by UNECE and few other industrial partners. The policy has the following focus areas - urban mobility, sustainable housing, clean energy, waste management and ICT. The expectations of the policy include a) Decreasing vulnerability of cities to urban migration, demographic changes, environmental degradation and climate change b) Reducing carbon footprint of cities c) Enhancing the quality of life for inhabitants d) Improve the environmental quality of the cities and e) Establishing public-private partnerships (PPPs)
Relevance to India
As a rapidly urbanizing country, India is facing a huge surge in economic growth.The urban population is estimated to be 40% by 2030 from 28% in 2001. While this may be seen as a positive sign for the country’s GDP,it is creating a magnanimous risk of an unsustainable sprawl. 
India ranks 3rd in the world in terms of its energy consumption despite falling short of its energy needs by ~20%. As per the BP Energy Outlook 2035 report, the country’s demand for energy is expected to grow by 132% by 2035.  Currently, the primary energy source in the country is coal, followed by crude oil. Presently, the primary source of energy in the country is coal followed by crude oil. The share of renewable sources (excluding hydro-electricity) in the energy mix is abysmally low. Therefore, improving energy efficiency should be an important goal as a part of our efforts towards sustainability.
A major portion of Indian cities and states face drastic resource scarcities such water shortages (polluted and sometimes, even toxic rivers). Some villages and slums have worrying levels of sanitation which has an overall negative impact on the sustainability of the country.
Bureaucracy and corruption in the country have worsened the situation.
However, some steps have been taken by the Indian government in the recent past in order to create a more sustainable living environment. Amravati in Andhra Pradesh is part of one such initiative.  The local government has engaged with Norman Foster to help redesign and remodel the city. The aim is to create jobs and homes for all, a world-class infrastructure, a green city and efficient resource management.
Shaded walkways to encourage people to walk more often, extensive use of solar energy and a transportation system that involves electric vehicles, dedicated cycle routes and water taxis, are in the pipeline for the next 25 years.
India became a part of the Earth Hour City Challenge (EHCC), (which is a global challenge for cities to present ambitious, holistic, inspiring plans for low carbon development in different sectors including energy, transport, housing and waste) in 2012.  Since then, 24 Indian cities have engaged in this challenge, out of which, Delhi, Coimbatore, Thane and Rajkot have been the National Earth Hour Capitals .

Role of Businesses
Conclusion
References

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