City emerges as a model for inclusive, sustainable urban planning – Times of India

Bhubaneswar’s Urban Transformation: A Model for Sustainable Development

On the occasion of the 76th World Town Planning Day, the city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is presented as a case study in transformative urban planning. The city’s evolution from a centre of ancient heritage to a smart, inclusive metropolis demonstrates a strong alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Initiatives under the Smart City Mission are reshaping Bhubaneswar into a future-ready urban centre.

Strategic Planning and Governance for Sustainable Urbanization

Historical Context and Projected Growth

Bhubaneswar’s urban framework has evolved significantly since its initial master plan, conceived in 1948 by architect Otto Königsberger for a population of 40,000. Current demographic data indicates a substantial expansion:

• Current Population: Over 1.3 million residents.
• Projected Population (2036): Exceeding 2 million residents, according to Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) estimates.

Modern Initiatives and Alignment with SDG 11

The New City Development Scheme, approved by the Odisha Cabinet with a budget of Rs 8,179 crore, is a cornerstone of this transformation. The plan aims to develop 800 acres into a modern township, directly contributing to the targets of SDG 11 by promoting integrated and sustainable human settlement planning. Key features include:

• Transit-Oriented Development
• Establishment of Green Corridors
• Development of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Infrastructure

Urban planners have emphasized the need for balanced growth to prevent strain on civic infrastructure, a core principle of sustainable urban development.

Integrating Sustainable Development Goals into Urban Frameworks

Fostering Inclusive and Resilient Communities (SDG 11)

Adhering to the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) sub-theme of “Planning for Masses,” Bhubaneswar’s strategy prioritizes community-centric design. The Chief Secretary, Manoj Ahuja, has affirmed that the vision for “Viksit Odisha-2036” focuses on creating liveable and inclusive spaces. This commitment directly supports SDG 11 by ensuring access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services.

1. Housing for All: A primary focus of the new township development.
2. Efficient Public Transport: A key component of transit-oriented design to ensure accessibility.
3. Land Pooling Model: The BDA’s Town Planning Schemes (covering 846 acres) utilize a land pooling model that balances private rights with public infrastructure needs, furthering inclusive urbanization.

Innovation and Infrastructure for a Smart City (SDG 9)

Bhubaneswar is leveraging technology to build resilient and innovative infrastructure, in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

• Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC): Manages critical urban services such as traffic, sanitation, and emergency response using real-time data.
• BhubaneswarOne Portal: Provides citizens with integrated geo-spatial services, enhancing transparency and accessibility to public information.

Preserving Heritage and Promoting Cultural Sustainability

Balancing Modernity with Cultural Identity (SDG 11.4)

While advancing towards a smart city model, Bhubaneswar maintains a strong focus on its cultural heritage. This approach directly addresses SDG 11.4, which calls for strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Initiatives that blend heritage with modern urban life include:

• Ekamra Walks
• Patha Utsav
• The “I Am Bhubaneswar” Campaign

These programs ensure that as the city develops, its unique cultural soul is not only preserved but celebrated, making it both a liveable and lovable city.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Bhubaneswar’s urban planning primarily addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – This is the most prominent SDG, as the entire article focuses on making Bhubaneswar a “smart, inclusive, and future-ready metropolis.” It discusses various aspects of urban development, including housing, transport, planning, heritage preservation, and public spaces, which are central to SDG 11.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – This SDG is relevant through the article’s mention of urban governance initiatives that promote transparency and accessibility. The development of effective and accountable institutions is a key component of sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article, several specific targets under SDG 11 and SDG 16 can be identified:

1. Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Explanation: The article explicitly mentions the Chief Secretary’s statement about the new township: “We are focusing on housing for all…” This directly aligns with the goal of providing adequate housing.
2. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Explanation: The plan for the new township includes “transit-oriented development” and a focus on “efficient public transport,” which are key strategies for achieving this target.
3. Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning.
   • Explanation: The article highlights Bhubaneswar’s “visionary master plan,” the need for “integrated planning,” and the adoption of a “land pooling model.” Furthermore, the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) sub-theme “Planning for Masses” emphasizes a participatory approach to urban planning.
4. Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • Explanation: The article notes that planning must “respects both heritage and modern needs” and mentions specific initiatives like “Ekamra Walks” that “blend heritage with urban branding,” demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage.
5. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
   • Explanation: The development plan for the new township includes the creation of “green corridors,” which directly contributes to providing access to green public spaces.
6. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Explanation: The article mentions the “BhubaneswarOne portal,” which “integrates geo-spatial services for citizens, promoting transparency and accessibility.” This is a clear example of using technology to build more transparent and accountable civic institutions.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 11.3 (Sustainable Urbanization): The article provides quantitative data on planned urban expansion, such as the development of “800 acres” in a new township and the implementation of Town Planning Schemes covering “846 acres.” The extension of city limits by incorporating “346 new revenue villages” is another measurable indicator of managed urban growth.
• Indicator for Target 11.7 (Green and Public Spaces): The plan to create “green corridors” is a specific, measurable initiative. The progress could be tracked by the total area (in acres or hectares) designated and developed as green corridors.
• Indicator for Target 11.4 (Cultural Heritage): The existence and frequency of cultural initiatives like “Ekamra Walks” and “Patha Utsav” serve as qualitative and quantitative indicators of efforts to promote and preserve local heritage.
• Indicator for Target 16.6 (Transparent Institutions): The establishment and functionality of the “BhubaneswarOne portal” and the “Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)” are direct indicators of institutional development. Progress could be measured by the number of services integrated into the portal or the efficiency improvements in traffic and sanitation management reported by the ICCC.
• Indicator for Target 11.1 (Housing): While not providing a specific number of housing units, the article mentions the goal of “housing for all” within the new township development. The number of affordable housing units planned or constructed within the 800-acre development would be a direct indicator.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com