Expert panel set up to find the way forward in urbanization

The rapid development of urbanization has brought in lot of challenges and the government taking note of this fact has taken a decision for setting up of an expert committee. This committee has been entrusted with the responsibility to seek ways to address the issue. Several central and state government officials are a part of this committee and the first report is expected to be submitted by June 15 to the National Development Council. Mr. Kamal Nath, the Urban Development Minister who was chairing a sub-committee meeting of the NDC said that they were discussing issues regarding the challenges thrown by urbanization by the end of the decade.

He said that discussions were being held with state representatives regarding the pattern of funding for infrastructure development. Tarun Gogoi, the chief minister of Assam, Montek Singh Ahluwalia the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission and senior officials from states like Maharashtra, Karanataka and Orissa took part in the sub-committee meeting. A crucial report will be submitted by the expert committee. The 12th Five Year Plan will get several vital inputs from this report. The demand for urban services has increased because of rapid urbanization. A total fund requirement amounting to Rs. 1.29 lakh crore has been estimated during the 11th Plan (2007-12) for implementation of urban projects like sewerage, sanitation and water supply etc.