Regional approach

With urban boundaries rapidly expanding into the surrounding hinterland, it is important to consider the entire urban agglomeration in planning for and provision of public goods and services for the country’s urban areas. Decisions regarding water sources, environmental planning, transport connectivity and infrastructure etc. cannot be taken by one municipal corporation or a local body alone as the sources may span multiple jurisdictions. Therefore, this requires bringing together the different local bodies – Municipalities and Panchayats - within the entire region of the urban agglomeration.

Janaagraha proposes three interventions for this regional perspective, planning and inter-institutional collaboration:

This is platform for regional planning mandated by the Constitution of India will be composed of representatives of local authorities falling within its jurisdiction – Municipalities and Panchayats. The functions of these committees are focused on arriving at sustainable development plans which need to take account of the plans produced both by Municipalities and Panchayats under its jurisdiction. It is also required to take account of the overlap of rural and urban governance, the objectives of state and national governments, and the resources available for the region.

2. Creation of a Metropolitan Transport Authority

Transport requires a regional approach. It provides connectivity both within the urban centre as well as the surrounding rural areas and further afield. Transport also must be an integrated system of rail, road, air, water. This requires coordination between multiple agencies. A Metropolitan Transport Authority should be a planning arm of the MPC/DPC and be tasked with the responsibility for sustainable transportation planning, policy and monitoring performance.

3. Development and delivery of comprehensive city plans

Comprehensive city plans should address connectivity, natural resource planning and management, environmental planning and impact assessments, land use and zoning, protection and preservation of environment.