UNIT V -ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY URBAN PLANNING IN INDIA

Globalization and its impact on cities – Urbanization, emergence of new forms of

developments – self sustained communities – SEZ – transit development – integrated
townships – case studies

Globalization:

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start
operating on an international scale.

Impact of globalization on cities and city-related policies :

Globalization (and the macroeconomic policies associated with it) not only resulted in rapid
economic growth but affected cities in different ways, primarily by the growth of foreign direct
investment (FDI). The urban population distribution in India reflects the absence of primacy; in
fact, the million-plus cities grew more slowly in the 1990s in an era of lower population growth.
High-quality residential and office space has been developed on the urban outskirts, fostered by
rapidly rising land prices. FDI has focused on a limited set of sectors (including knowledge-
based industries), resulting in selective (not unskilled) migration and growth along urban
corridors rather than within cities. The macroeconomic reforms and globalization have forced
many policy changes at the city level: Private sector involvement in infrastructure development
and management; allowing city access to capital markets; and setting up central government
funding programs to promote urban structural change. The impacts of globalization on cities (as
opposed to the macroeconomic reforms) can be exaggerated: The scale of FDI is low compared
with other Asian countries, the direct impacts were geographically concentrated in six larger
cities, globalization has not accelerated urban growth, only a few economic sectors have been
impacted, and the most obvious changes have been in the built environment (e.g., new buildings)
and spatial structure.

URBANIZATION:

The process of making an area more urban. Urbanization refers to the population shift
from rural to urban areas, "the gradual increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas",
and the ways in which each society adapts to the change. It is predominantly the process by
which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working
in central areas.

SELF SUSTAINABILITY:

A system is self-sustaining (or self-sufficient) if it can maintain itself by independent effort. The
system self-sustainability is: the degree at which the system can sustain itself without external
support.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY:

The term “sustainable communities” has various definitions, but in essence refers to
communities planned, built, or modified to promote sustainable living. Sustainable communities
tend to focus on environmental and economic sustainability, urban infrastructure, social equity,
and municipal government. The term is sometimes used synonymously with “green cities,” “eco-
communities,” “livable cities” and “sustainable cities.”

Different organizations have various understandings of sustainable communities; the term‟s

definition is contested and still under construction. For example, Burlington, Vermont‟s
Principles of Sustainable Community Development stress the importance of local control of
natural resources and a thriving non-profit sector to a sustainable community. The Institute for
Sustainable Communities outlines how political empowerment and social well-being are also
part of the definition Additionally, referring to communities in Shanghai and Singapore,
geographer Lily Kong has paired concepts of cultural sustainability and social
sustainability alongside environmental sustainability as aspects of sustainable communities.

Introduction SEZ

• Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is defined as "a specifically delineated duty-free enclave and
shall be deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and
tariffs".

• SEZs

 An engine for economic growth

  supported by quality infrastructure

 complemented by an attractive fiscal package

 With the minimum possible regulations.

• Government of India have notified Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Act 2005 and notified
Special Economic Zone Rules 2006 with a view to augmenting infrastructure facilities for
export.

Chronology of SEZ framework

 Export Processing Zone (EPZ) policy 1965. 1st EPZ was set up in Kandla (Gujarat)

 In 1990s, as a part of reforms, powers delegated to zone authorities.

 New Policy in April 2000

 Special Economic Zones Act MAY 2005.

 Full law and rules effected February 2006.

SEZ Categories

» Free Trade Zones (FTZ)

» Export Processing Zones (EPZ)

» Free Zones (FZ)

» Industrial Estates (IE)

» Free Ports » Urban Enterprise Zones

SEZ Act, 2005

With a view to overcome the shortcomings experienced on account of the multiplicity of controls
and clearances; absence of world class infrastructure, and an unstable fiscal regime and a view to
attract larger foreign investments in India, the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Policy was
announced in April 2006.

The main objectives of the SEZ Act are:

  generation of additional economic activity

 promotion of exports of goods and services

 promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources

 creation of employment opportunities

 development of infrastructure facilities

Economic Benefits

 SEZ policy has directly benefited economy in following ways:

1. Employment Generation:

SEZs generate direct employment for skilled and unskilled labour ; indirect employment and
employment for women workers.

2. Skill Formation:

Formation of SEZs and new job requirements increase firm level activity whereby the labor force
acquires skills from within the firm through training and learning.

3. Attract investors:

SEZs offer a highly conducive investment scenario for developers. No tax during development
and operational stage. At profit stage 100% income tax exemption for Ist 5 yrs, 50% for next 5
yrs.

4.Technology Upgrading:

SEZs attract export-oriented FDI and promote other forms of collaboration between local firms
and MNCs.

5.Exports:

EPZ exports registered an impressive growth rate over the period 1966 to 2002. EPZ exports
increased in India from less than Rs.1 million in 1966 to over Rs. 97727 million in 2002.

6.Manufacturing Sector:
Share of manufacturing industry in the exports grew from negligible percentage in 1970 to
above 6 % in 2005.

 (Sources: Ministry of Commerce, Economic Survey)

SEZs as vehicle for Job Creation

 Reaping the demographic dividend

 India‟s demographic profile is a boon for creating productive jobs for rising work force
with higher savings and eventually investments for economic growth.

 India‟s median age is just under 25 years with over 500 million people below 25 years of
age.

 Two-thirds of these are supported by the agricultural sector which contributes just 21
percent to the GDP.

 These people have rising aspirations and must find jobs in manufacturing and services
sectors, failing which there would be serious social and economic implications for the
country.

 SEZs are job creators - it is estimated that close to 15,00,000 jobs by end of 2010 would
be created by SEZs.

SEZs Typology

 •SEZs can be categorized on basis of sector, function or location and required to have

Figure 1 SEZ- Typology

 processing as well as non-processing area.

Intentionally left blank

TRANSIT ORIENT DEVELOPMENT

NEED OF PROJECT (TOD)

ISSUE 1.

Usability of MTRS and BRTS: Metro has been constructed but people don‟t feel comfortable/
safe
using it.

Figure 2 Pic showing TOD and Master Plan-Bangalore

 Picture showing absence of metro stations on many main roadsPicture showing location of
Jaipur metro station which is far from residential areas

ISSUE 2.

Figure 3 Statistics on Women Safety

Lack of safety for Women is biggest deterrent to public transport success.

CAUSE:
• Lack of last mile connectivity by bus, cycle/ walk.
• Unsafe streets, due to lack of „eyes of street‟
• Un walkable streets and planned private para transit facilities
ISSUE 3.

• Car-Auto-centric sprawl type planning has created a private vehicle dependent city, very
difficult
for
Public
Transpo
rt users.

Figure 4 Pic Showing heavy traffic

Picture showing a greater number of private vehicles on Delhi road due to insufficient public
transport which is making congestion

CAUSE:

• segregated land uses,

• large unwalkable block sizes,

• large Roads with unusable footpaths,

• construction of flyovers and clover leafs within city limits, leading to rupture of
neighbourhoods & connectivity,

• People-unfriendly urban design

ISSUE 4.

 Environmental Degradation – due to rapid urbanization, unplanned exploitation of natural

resources, destruction of natural water systems, and rapid expansion on agricultural land

 Due to environmental degradation human as well as all other creatures have to face great
problems.

 Air pollution results in respiratory diseases, air-borne diseases, skin disease, throat and
chest infection etc and also melts the snow that causes landslides and floods.

 Water pollution causes various water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery
etc .

TOD IS NEEDED IS FOR:

To make it easier, safer, faster and more convenient for people to use public transportation so
that maximum number of people “have the choice” to leave their cars at home and shift to the
use of public transport with in walkable distance.
 • To Provide a variety and high-density mixof housing, employment and recreation
options within walking/cycling distance of each other and of MRTS stations - in order to
induce a lifestyle change towards healthier living and better quality of life.

The following objectives are intended to effect well-planned transit oriented development :

1. Transit Proximity and Station Area Boundaries

2. Station-specific Flexibility

3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Access

4. Mix of Land Uses

5. Housing Affordability

6. Urban Design

7. Street Design

8. Parking

9. Transportation and Traffic

10. Vision for the Community

11. Regional Framework

12. Environmental Considerations

13. Economic Benefits

14. Open Space

15. Public Facilities and

16. Infrastructure

1. Transit Proximity and Station Area Boundaries

Focus and concentrate the highest density or land use intensity close to the rail transit station,
and where feasible, above the rail transit station.

Station-specific Flexibility

Examine the unique characteristics and needs of a particular station area when evaluating TOD
principles to ensure the appropriate development intensity and mix of land uses relative to the
existing and planned uses for the surrounding areas.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Access

Provide safe pedestrian and bicycle travel to and from and within the station area

Mix of Land Uses

Promote a mix of uses to ensure the efficient use of transit, to promote increased ridership during
peak and off-peak travel periods in all directions, and to encourage different types of activity
throughout the day.

Housing Affordability

Provide for arrange of housing opportunities by incorporating a mix of housing types and sizes
and including housing for a range of different income levels.

Urban Design

Encourage excellence in urban design, including site planning, streetscape and building design,
which creates a pedestrian-focused sense of place.

Street Design

Provide a grid of safe, attractive streets for all users which provide connectivity throughout the
site and to and from adjacent areas.

Parking

Encourage the use of transit while maximizing the use of available parking throughout the day
and evening and minimizing the visual impact of parking structures and surface parking lots.
Transportation and Traffic

Promote a balance between the intensity of TOD and the capacity of the multimodal
transportation infrastructure provided and affected by TOD, and provide for and accommodate
high quality transit, pedestrian, and bicycle infrastructure and services and other measures to
limit single occupant vehicle trips.

Vision for the Community

Strive to achieve a broadly inclusive, collaborative. community participation process when

evaluating TOD plans that propose substantial changes in use, intensity or density for existing or
new transit station areas planning efforts.

Regional Framework

Provide a more efficient land use pattern by concentrating growth around existing and planned
transit station areas.

Environmental Considerations

Seek opportunities for mitigating environmental impacts of development.

Economic Benefits

Create an employment base and encourage commercial revitalization adjacent to transit facilities.

Open Space

Provide publicly-accessible, high-quality, usable open space.

Public Facilities and Infrastructure

Evaluate opportunities to include public facility improvements and services within the TOD area.
INTEGRATED TOWNSHIP
Why Integrated Township?
Integrated Township are becoming More popular & essential to reduce pressure of the existing
city infrastructure like Road network, Water Supply, Sewage & Garbage Disposal & pollution,
arising due to rapid urbanization & increase in the growth of city, economy, business &
Population. With urban areas getting more & more crowded and no space to accommodate the
future development potential, integrated townships have been identified as a potential solution
for this crisis. Hence a strong identity has to be created for a successful development in the future
of the city. What is Integrated Township
What is Integrated Township?
Integrated townships is a self-sustained development with all the basic modern amenities
developed in an plot area of more than 20 acres on outskirts adjoining to existing city having a
number of developments that include residential, commercial, retail, recreational, educational, as
well as industrial areas in some cases. They should have a proper balance of residential &
commercial spaces along with well-developed Modern infrastructure & recreational amenities
besides green and open spaces Benefits of Integrated Township
Benefits of Integrated Township
The main focus of a township development should ensure safety and security that involves in
evolution of a healthy township which supports a wholesome living without pollution with
certain key concepts.
1. Walk ability
2. Connectivity
3. Mixed use and diversity
4. Mixed housing
5. Quality architecture and urban design
6. Traditional neighborhood structure
7. Increased density
8. Green transportation
9. Sustainability
10. Quality of life
Figure 5 Pic Showing few benefits and Strategies in Integrated Township
Figure 6 Pic showing Cost reduction in Integrated Townships
 Integrated township is self-contained residential units with essentially features like schools,
hospitals, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, parks, landscaped gardens, leisure facilities, retail
outlets including exclusive shops for domestic & international brands. Progressive & sustainable
factors that contribute to an enhanced life style. They also aim at providing high-quality
affordable housing for India's growing young generations.
Integrated townships is a self-sustaining environment that has become a necessity rather than a
luxury. Keeping in mind the requirements of the home buyers, we the designers, are studying
their needs in order to achieve everything under one roof. In today‟s scenario, the trend seems to
be leaning towards integrated townships. Is there a demand for it in future? Master Plans of all
major cities include expanding the urban boundaries supporting the horizontal growth within
horizontal growth within zonal growth with in the Indian context Indian context Indian context -
One major reason why the concept of integrated townships definitely has a future.
How integrated city can be Designed?
To set an idea of „open living,‟ „open living,‟ „open living, „which cannot only be delivered

through more spacious & better designed homes with proper privacy, direct ventilation &
Lighting, but can also be through meticulous planning of the infrastructure, like extensive
landscaping, Open area, play area for children‟s gathering for senior citizen, Separate cycling &
Jogging track, internal road network, traffic flow planning and provision of pedestrian walkways
that encourages safe, pleasant and comfortable life style within the townships. Thus,
emphasizing the establishment of a sustainable living ecosystem with proper balance of
residential, academic & commercial spaces supported by proper modern infrastructure.
What would be the consequential thought process...?

Figure 7 Thought Process of Integrated Townships

-Dynamically zoned spaces which would encourage holistic living -promote lively surroundings
The main spine road should designed properly to segregate the vehiculartraffic of Residential,
Academic &Commercial zone and give proper axis to all the cluster in the all the zone and
commercial& academic zone should be easily accessible from all the cluster & Effective proper
utilization of the OSR Space for landscape, With Green Sustainability, effective usage of Rain
water, recycled water & Recycling of garbage waste effectively Residential zone can be planned
and divided into number of cluster of building. Each cluster building in the Integrated township
should be designed with proper Common amenities like club house, Swimming pool,
Gymnasium, Indoor & Outdoor games, Children‟s play area, Senior citizen recreation,
Landscape areas, creche& Day care for children, Super market and other basic amenities Thus
Integrated township should be designed with all the basic modernamenities with meticulous
planning of the infrastructure with proper balance of residential, academic & commercial spaces
with recreational amenities besides green and open spaces that encourages safe, pleasant and
comfortable life style atmosphere & encourages Walk to work, Walk to school to reduce the
vehicle traffic & pollution with in Township.