Sustainability Neglected in Urban Infrastructure Push
The Indian government’s Budget 2025, which aims to bolster urban infrastructure, offers a promising roadmap for metropolitan growth. However, it appears to have overlooked a critical element: the environment. While the focus on urbanisation, smart cities, and connectivity is evident, the government’s failure to place environmental sustainability at the forefront could undermine long-term goals of sustainable urban development.
The budget has earmarked substantial funds for infrastructure projects, including smart cities, metro connectivity, and urban rejuvenation initiatives. These investments will undoubtedly modernise India’s urban landscape and enhance connectivity, fostering economic growth. However, there is little mention of climate-responsive urban planning, which is essential as India grapples with the consequences of climate change, including increased urban heat islands, pollution, and resource depletion.
India’s cities are already experiencing severe environmental pressures, from air quality issues to water scarcity. The urban infrastructure push in the Budget 2025 risks exacerbating these challenges by prioritising construction over ecological concerns. Despite the increasing adoption of green technologies in some areas, the budget falls short in addressing the importance of green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, waste management, and sustainable transportation systems.
Urbanisation is undoubtedly a double-edged sword, and the failure to integrate environmental safeguards could lead to irreversible damage. A shift towards eco-friendly building materials, water conservation, and waste management technologies should have been a priority to ensure cities remain livable for future generations. Additionally, climate resilience in infrastructure design should have been a central focus, ensuring that cities can withstand climate-related risks such as flooding, heatwaves, and storms.
Experts and environmentalists argue that urban infrastructure planning must go hand in hand with environmental sustainability if cities are to thrive in a rapidly changing climate. While infrastructure development is necessary, it should not come at the cost of future ecological health. The budget’s focus on growth should be balanced with clear commitments to sustainable practices, ensuring that urbanisation doesn’t come at the expense of the planet.
As India moves towards more advanced and connected cities, it must keep sustainability at the core of its urban development agenda. This will require more comprehensive, long-term planning that acknowledges the intertwined nature of urban growth and environmental preservation. Without this balance, India’s dream of becoming a global economic powerhouse could be marred by environmental degradation, ultimately undermining the very progress it hopes to achieve.
