Topic: population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
3) The sliding Liveability index of Indian cities urgently calls for reforms in urban management especially with the aspect of municipal governance. Elucidate in the context of recently released world liveability index 2019. (250 words)
Why this question:
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released the Global Livability Index 2019. The index ranks 140 global cities based on their living conditions. Thus important from the exam point of view for GS paper I.
Key demand of the question:
One must bring out the inherent issues the cities of the country are facing in terms of livability and what needs to be done.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
In brief narrate the findings of the report.
Body:
Explain the underlying causes of depriving livability in India cities.
Quote the examples of Delhi and Mumbai.
Explain that India needs to approach urban local government differently. State governments have centralized too much authority and devolve too little power and funds to municipal corporations. Consequently, civic bodies and town planners lack the capacity to handle rapid urbanization.
The spurt of slums and landfills, encroachment on public land, non-existent drainage, groundwater exploitation, and clogged roads can all be traced to weak municipal corporations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward while suggesting solutions.
