Editorial Analysis 29 May

29th May, 2024 Editorial Analysis

Daily Editorial Analysis

Editorial Analysis based on “Fires in Rajkot and Delhi: To get safer cities, we must demand them” which was published in The Hindu.

Introduction:

Recent fires in Indian cities highlight institutional failures in urban planning and regulation.
Municipal corporations, civic development authorities, and planning control commissions are under scrutiny for their decisions shaping urban environments.
Effective planning could have mitigated risks to lives lost in these incidents.

Issues of urban fires in india

Role of By-laws and Building Codes:

Urban development is governed by by-laws framed under the National Building Code, safeguarding livability, safety, and sustainability.
However, complexities arise in implementing these laws in rapidly growing cities, leading to strained compliance efforts.

Spatial Relationships and Complexity in compliance:

Spatial relationships in urban areas are inherently complex, especially in semi-developed regions experiencing rapid densification.
Compliance with building codes may lead to spatial configurations that are not necessarily meaningful or conducive to safety and well-being.

Loss of Public Spaces and Privatization:

Privatization of public spaces and encroachment upon intermediate lands reduce opportunities for public activities.
Commercial developments restrict public access, leading to the loss of open public spaces for recreation and social interaction.

Air Pollution:

Urban areas in India are facing severe air pollution levels, primarily due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction projects.
Example: According to the World Air Quality Report 2023, 9 of the top 10 most polluted cities are in India.

Traffic and Mobility Challenges:

Rapid urbanization and the influx of private vehicles have led to severe traffic congestion, increasing commute times and hampering productivity.
Example: In Bengaluru, the average traffic speed during peak hours is estimated to be around 18 km/h, resulting in significant economic losses due to lost productivity and fuel wastage.

Urbanization and Building Edifices of Consumption:

India's rapid urbanization often prioritizes the construction of consumption-driven structures without adequate consideration for safety and sustainability.
The focus on short-term quantitative gains neglects long-term qualitative aspects of urban living.

Way ahead:

Demand for Healthy Urban Environments:
- Stakeholders must prioritize the creation of safe and sustainable urban environments over mere compliance with regulations.
- Urban residents should be aware of the trade-offs between short-term benefits and long-term quality of life.
Role of Planning Institutions:
- Planning institutions need to periodically assess the quality of built spaces to identify vulnerabilities and maintain urban infrastructure.
- Upholding the dignity of lived spaces and ensuring access to public areas are essential for fostering social and ecological sustainability.
Collective Responsibility for Urban Safety:
- Ensuring a safe urban space requires collaboration between lawmakers, planners, and city users.
- Meaningful implementation of spatial codes and active participation in urban processes are crucial for achieving a sound urban environment.
Sponge City Concept and Permeable Urban Landscapes:
- Implementing the "Sponge City" concept, which involves the integration of permeable pavements, green roofs, rainwater gardens, and other water-absorbing features into urban landscapes.
- Encouraging the preservation and restoration of natural water bodies, wetlands, and floodplainsthrough Blue-Green Infrastructure within urban areas to enhance water retention and flood mitigation.
- Incorporating biophilic design principles into urban architecture and infrastructure, bringing nature into the built environment. Singapore's Jewel Changi Airport is a notable example of biophilic design.