New Delhi : In the last 11 years, the government has taken steps to change the face of the country’s cities. Rs 8.36 lakh crore A huge budget has been spent. But the shocking reality is that despite wasting so much money, urban life has become worse instead of improving. Recent report of ‘Janagraha’ ‘Shaping Urban India by Design, Not by Default’ Has exposed the claims of urban development. According to the report, cities have expanded, but this growth is so uncontrolled that it has now become difficult to breathe and live in the metros.

Area increased by 25 lakh hectares in 18 years, but infrastructure collapsed

Data from the report show that in the last 18 years the area of ​​urban areas 25 lakh hectares has increased. Cities are turning into concrete jungles, but the drainage system, condition of roads and availability of pure drinking water still remains a big challenge. Experts say that the development of cities is not by ‘design’ but by ‘default’ i.e. automatically without any planning. This is the reason that today almost every big city of the country is struggling with the problems of air pollution, waterlogging and traffic jams.

Report released in the presence of NITI Aayog members: Models being built without data

This important report NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gaubareleased in the presence of D. Thara, Additional Secretary, Urban Ministry, and BJP MP Tejashwi Surya. A major flaw highlighted in the report is that the organizations preparing development models do not have solid data available. Without accurate information, one size fits all development model is being imposed on all cities, which is proving unsuccessful in solving local problems.

What is the biggest problem in which city? The report marked

Janaagraha’s report has touched upon the Achilles’ heel of major cities of the country:

• Delhi: Deadly air pollution.

• Mumbai: There is a severe crisis of housing to live in.

• Bengaluru: The problem of endless traffic jams.

• Kolkata: Rapidly decreasing greenery.

• Jaipur: Increasing accidents on roads.

• Indore: The challenge of contaminated water amid claims of cleanliness.

• Jhansi: Dilapidated and old infrastructure.

Waterlogging has become the biggest problem, public transport needs priority.

Deep concern has been expressed in the report that even after spending thousands of crores of rupees, cities drown as soon as it rains. Due to failure of the drainage system, the urban population has to face disasters like floods. For improvement, the report has suggested that a separate model be prepared for small and medium cities and instead of private vehicles public transportation (Public Transport) should be promoted. Unless plans are made on the basis of local data, the condition of cities will not improve even after spending huge budgets.