New urban developmental models must focus on eco-sustainability

New urban development models must focus on eco sustainability Posted by: "Sheetal - Karmayog" info@karmayog.org Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:22 am (PST) New urban development models must focus on eco sustainability, inclusive growth The UN Habitat is pushing for a new urban development agenda focussed on economic and environmental sustainability and inclusive growth, according to Mr Andre Dzikus, Chief, Water and Sanitation Section, UN Habitat. The new principles of urban development should be through a coordinated and long-term approach with national level policies that prevent investor-driven, irrational urban land prices. Such a national urban policy should coordinate different areas of government, take into account public transportation development, connectivity, economic development and energy strategy. Such a vision for national urban development should lay emphasis on small and intermediate size urbanisation which should be encouraged through incentives, he said. Addressing the Municipalika 2012, the 10th international seminar on city infrastructure and sustainable urban development, he said the systems in vogue in urban development have resulted in unsustainable urban sprawls where cities are losing their cultural identity and distinctiveness, socially segregated - gated communities are a 'symptom of social failure' - with unequal growth of sections of society and are energy intensive. Loss of open spaces has made shopping malls the primary locations for social gathering, he said at the event organised by the Good Governance India Foundation and supported by the Union Ministries of Urban Development, Housing and Renewable Energy. Mr Mike Nithavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner in Southern India, said the conference on sustainable urban development with UK as the country partner addresses a crucial issue in the context of rapid urbanisation in developing economies. The UK companies with their technical expertise can contribute to cost-effective and low-carbon solutions. The London 2012 Olympics is set to be the greenest Olympics that will showcase the UK's low carbon credentials, he said. rbalaji@thehindu.co.in URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article2826050.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home