MB Singh, director of the G20 unit of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Department said in one of its reports during the 15th Finance Commission that new cities should be developed.
The idea
This bold move was inspired by a recommendation made by none other than the 15th Finance Commission.
After the finance commission’s recommendation, the states sent proposals to the Central Government for 26 new cities, and after a scrutiny, eight new cities are being considered for development,” he said.
In their report, they emphatically suggested the urgent development of these new cities as a viable solution.
Where?
Singh assured that the government will reveal the chosen locations in due course, along with the proposed timelines for their development.
Why?
“We have to build new cities in the country as the existing cities are not able to cater to the needs of citizens. Haphazard expansion on the outskirts of existing cities is affecting the basic planning of these cities,” Mr Singh said.
When a new city is developed, social and economic activities will increase within a radius of at least 200 km, he added.
The project
To be specific eight new cities should be developed to alleviate population burden on the existing urban centres.
“After the finance commission’s recommendation, the states sent proposals to the Central Government for 26 new cities, and after a scrutiny, eight new cities are being considered for development,” Singh said.
Though the financial roadmap for the project has not yet been finalised, the Union government will play a major role in the project, he said.
Benefits
Existing cities are struggling to meet the demands of their citizens.
Not just that, but the unplanned expansion on the outskirts of these urban centers has wreaked havoc on their foundational planning.
Building new cities from scratch promises to provide a breath of fresh air to an increasingly stifled population.
Social and economic activities are expected to skyrocket, bringing much-needed vibrancy and growth to the surrounding areas.
