Talk about how climate change could affect agriculture in India. In this regard, what actions has the government taken? (Answer in 200 words)
Impact of India's Urban Development Initiatives on Sustainable Management of Cities India’s urban development initiatives, notably the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), have significantly influenced the sustainable management of cities. ThesRead more
Impact of India’s Urban Development Initiatives on Sustainable Management of Cities
India’s urban development initiatives, notably the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), have significantly influenced the sustainable management of cities. These programs aim to enhance urban infrastructure, improve quality of life, and address critical urban challenges such as affordable housing, efficient transportation, and environmental sustainability.
Smart Cities Mission
Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aims to develop 100 smart cities across India, focusing on integrating technology and infrastructure to improve urban living standards.
1. Affordable Housing
- Housing for All by 2022: The Smart Cities Mission integrates affordable housing projects with urban development. For example, Gujarat’s Surat Smart City Project includes plans for affordable housing that integrates with the city’s overall smart infrastructure.
- Data-Driven Planning: Smart cities use data to identify housing needs and develop projects efficiently. The Gwalior Smart City Project involves the construction of affordable housing units based on comprehensive urban data analysis.
2. Efficient Transportation
- Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): Smart cities incorporate ITS to enhance public transportation efficiency. For example, Bhubaneswar has implemented a smart traffic management system that reduces congestion and improves transit times.
- Electric Buses and Integrated Mobility: Many smart cities are transitioning to electric buses and integrating various transport modes. Indore has introduced electric buses as part of its smart city initiatives, aiming to reduce emissions and improve public transport efficiency.
3. Reduction of Environmental Footprint
- Green Infrastructure: Smart cities focus on incorporating green spaces and sustainable practices. Pune has developed green corridors and promotes energy-efficient buildings as part of its smart city plan.
- Waste Management: Advanced waste management systems are being implemented, such as Chennai’s smart waste management solutions that utilize technology for efficient waste collection and processing.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Launched in 2015, AMRUT aims to provide basic amenities and infrastructure improvements in urban areas, with a focus on water supply, sewerage, and green spaces.
1. Affordable Housing
- Infrastructure Upgradation: AMRUT projects often include the development of affordable housing in conjunction with infrastructure improvements. For instance, Lucknow’s AMRUT projects focus on upgrading slum areas, which includes the construction of affordable housing and improved sanitation facilities.
- Slum Redevelopment: In cities like Kolkata, AMRUT supports slum redevelopment projects that provide better housing conditions and infrastructure for low-income communities.
2. Efficient Transportation
- Public Transport Enhancements: AMRUT funds the development of efficient public transport systems. Ahmedabad has benefited from AMRUT funding for expanding its Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: Projects under AMRUT also focus on creating pedestrian-friendly and bicycle-friendly urban spaces. Hyderabad has developed dedicated cycle tracks and pedestrian pathways as part of its AMRUT initiatives.
3. Reduction of Environmental Footprint
- Water Supply and Sewerage: AMRUT emphasizes improving water supply and sewerage systems, which contributes to environmental sustainability. For example, Bhopal has implemented advanced sewerage systems that reduce water pollution and improve urban sanitation.
- Urban Green Spaces: The creation of parks and green spaces is a focus area for AMRUT. Bhubaneswar has developed several parks and green areas to enhance urban biodiversity and provide recreational spaces for residents.
Conclusion
The Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT have had a significant impact on the sustainable management of Indian cities. Affordable housing, efficient transportation, and environmental sustainability are key focus areas, with both initiatives incorporating technology, data-driven planning, and infrastructure improvements. Recent examples from cities such as Surat, Indore, and Ahmedabad illustrate the progress made in these areas. By addressing critical urban challenges and enhancing quality of life, these initiatives contribute to the broader goals of sustainable urban development and improved urban resilience.
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The world is currently experiencing significant climate change, leading to increased temperatures, rising sea levels, changes in cultivation patterns, and crop production, among other effects. According to data from 2022-23, around 18-19% of India's GDP is contributed by agriculture and related actiRead more
The world is currently experiencing significant climate change, leading to increased temperatures, rising sea levels, changes in cultivation patterns, and crop production, among other effects. According to data from 2022-23, around 18-19% of India’s GDP is contributed by agriculture and related activities. Consequently, climate change can have a noticeable impact on Indian agriculture.
See less• Challenging for specific crops: Crops like beet, broccoli, wheat , Cauliflower and other kharif crops tend to grow better in colder weather. An increase in temperature raises a challenge in their cultivation.
• Water Scarcity: The rising temperature levels also deplete the freshwater supply. India has approximately 4% of the world’s total freshwater reserve, 80% of which is utilized for agriculture. In India, agriculture without adequate irrigation is nearly impossible.
• Decrease in food supply: In case of challenging cultivation environment crop failure becomes common which poses a further negative impact on the availability of food crops in the long run. In India most food crops experience crop failure at a rate of 30-25 per cent.
Given the current situation, the Government of India has implemented sufficient research programs, actions, and schemes in response.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: As the name suggests the organisation not only focuses on sustainable Agricultural practices but also studies soil health, Climatic science, monitoring, modelling and networking.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change: Set up in 2008 by the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change; the primary aim of the organisation is to protect restore and enhance India’s diminishing forest cover so as to bring climate change under control.
The government also carries out numerous other activities to mitigate climate change. Agriculture is a significant part of the Indian economy, and its vulnerability to climate change is a cause of concern that requires immediate attention.