How can urban planning and infrastructure development contribute to better sanitation and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in densely populated areas?
Model Answer Introduction Basic infrastructure facilities form the bedrock of economic growth. Without adequate infrastructure, India's economy operates below its potential, hindering both rapid and inclusive growth. Investment in infrastructure is crucial to address these challenges. Body CreationRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Basic infrastructure facilities form the bedrock of economic growth. Without adequate infrastructure, India’s economy operates below its potential, hindering both rapid and inclusive growth. Investment in infrastructure is crucial to address these challenges.
Body
Creation of Jobs
Infrastructure development projects, such as road construction and railway expansion, are labor-intensive, significantly boosting employment opportunities in both formal and informal sectors. For instance, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) exemplifies how infrastructure initiatives can create jobs and fuel domestic demand.
Multiplier Effect
Capital expenditure on infrastructure has a multiplier effect of 2.45, stimulating both demand and supply. This leads to accelerated economic growth and job creation. The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) for FY 2019-25 aims to provide world-class infrastructure, enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
Improved Connectivity
Investments in infrastructure enhance connectivity between regions, fostering economic integration. Projects like Bharatmala and Sagarmala improve trade and commerce, driving economic growth by facilitating smoother movement of goods.
Reducing Logistic Costs
World-class infrastructure such as roads, railways, and ports can significantly reduce logistic costs, which currently stand at 12-14% of GDP—higher than the global benchmark of 7-8%. Initiatives like the Gati Shakti scheme aim to streamline multi-modal connectivity, thereby lowering logistics expenses.
Inclusive Growth
Infrastructure investment promotes inclusive growth by extending access to essential services like education and healthcare to underserved communities. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Housing for All by 2022) aims to provide dignified housing to all by addressing the needs of those living in inadequate conditions.
Increased Productivity
Infrastructure development leads to greater productivity by facilitating the efficient flow of goods and services, thereby reducing transaction costs and enhancing production efficiency.
Conclusion
Investment in infrastructure is vital for India’s journey toward achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Initiatives like the NIP, Gati Shakti, and NaBFID must be effectively implemented to establish a robust foundation for a self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
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Cities are urban regions which harbor large volumes of economic, social, and political interactions. They tend to be the zones of productivity and creativity. However, a large volume of people within a narrow area poses threats to the potential outbreak of diseases. For this reason, urban planning aRead more
Cities are urban regions which harbor large volumes of economic, social, and political interactions. They tend to be the zones of productivity and creativity. However, a large volume of people within a narrow area poses threats to the potential outbreak of diseases. For this reason, urban planning and the construction of infrastructure facilities have proved crucial in prevention from the spread of infectious diseases.
Some of the critical ones include are:
1. Improved Sanitation Infrastructure: – There should be proper sewage disposal systems and sewage plants and proper storm water drainage systems to avoid the risk of water-borne diseases. – Proper collection, transport, and disposal of the solid wastes will help eliminate or at least minimize the chances of vector-borne diseases. – In the presence of a barrier of disease-causing organisms, a safe supply of water is an essential factor in health.
2. Urban Planning and Zoning: – In regulating the density and the zoning of certain parts of the city, it helps in reducing incidences of population explosions that lead to settlement patterns known as slums, which are unhygienic and prone to diseases. – The idea of provision of open spaces in the urban planning is yet another factor which relaxes the minds of city dwellers by enhancing the fresh air available to them and improvement of their mental health as well.
3. Public Health Infrastructure: Health Facility: Ensuring an adequate number of hospitals and clinics for diagnosing, treating, and controlling diseases. Health Education and Promotion : Health promotion activities can improve practice of hygiene, uptake of vaccines, and awareness on diseases control.
4. Community Participation: Community Involvement- it means that the community is involved in present issues and has a say in certain decisions made.
5. Social Mobilization: Improves outcome levels through community participation and population involvement in sanitation and hygiene activities.
These will then see healthier livable cities, less suffering from infectious diseases among urban dwellers thereby raising the general standard of living of such individuals.
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