Issues and Options for Managing Curse of Urban Sprawl in India

Abstract

Urban sprawl invariably presents significant challenges to the planned development; sustainable urban growth and preservation of natural environments.   Managing urban sprawl, effectively and efficiently, demands innovative options and practical solutions, based on prevailing ground realities. Addressing urban sprawl requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing innovative policies, community involvement, and a shift towards sustainable urban planning it needs to be understood and appreciated that area under urban sprawl, is the future/next municipal areas. As and when urban limits are extended, it will invariably absorb and include the area currently under sprawl. Accordingly, it is important that development happening in the peri-urban areas must be planned, rationalized and appropriately regulated, in order to ensure that area currently under urban sprawl becomes   logical extension of the city, rather than creating distortions and anomalies in its planned growth and development of the city and its extended limits.