Question

Explore and suggest action points with respect to urban planning in cities to mitigate the challenges below and write a report. Two have been completed for you.

Waste Management: Conducting a ‘Segregate at Source’ awareness drive in residential areas with demos on dry/wet waste disposal and composting.

Traffic congestion: carpooling, high taxes on vehicle purchases, etc.

Inadequate safety of residents
Poor mobility within the city
Expansion of slums
Heat waves during summers

Answer 1

Waste Management

• Conduct “Segregate at Source” awareness drives in residential areas.
• Demonstrate proper disposal of wet and dry waste.
• Encourage composting of kitchen waste.
• Provide separate bins and improve door-to-door waste collection.

Traffic Congestion

• Promote carpooling and public transport.
• Introduce higher taxes or charges on unnecessary private vehicle use.
• Develop dedicated bus lanes and improve metro services.
• Encourage walking and cycling by providing safe footpaths and cycle lanes.

Inadequate Safety of Residents

• Install streetlights and CCTV cameras in public places.
• Improve pedestrian crossings and footpaths.
• Create safe public spaces, especially around schools, stations and residential areas.
• Increase regular police patrolling in vulnerable areas.

Poor Mobility Within the City

• Improve connectivity between buses, metros, trains and other public transport.
• Provide affordable and frequent public transport.
• Build accessible footpaths and cycling tracks.
• Improve roads and transport facilities for elderly people and persons with disabilities.

Expansion of Slums

• Provide affordable housing for low-income families.
• Improve water supply, sanitation, electricity and healthcare in existing settlements.
• Develop planned housing projects close to employment opportunities.
• Provide skill development and livelihood opportunities to improve living standards.

Heat Waves During Summers

• Increase trees, parks and green spaces across the city.
• Create shaded footpaths and public areas.
• Promote cool roofs and energy-efficient buildings.
• Provide drinking-water facilities and cooling centres during extreme heat.