Urban Challenges and Sustainable Strategies in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53573/rhimrj.2026.v13n05.007Keywords:
Urbanization, Resource Scarcity, Sustainable Cities, Climate Resilience, SDGs, Viksit BharatAbstract
The urban locations of India are undergoing an unprecedented transformation which is driven by rapid population growth, economic aspirations and infrastructural expansion. The strain on resources that include water, land, air and energy has already reached critical levels and this crisis is going to worsen as cities continue to expand to accommodate over 600 million urban dwellers by 2030. This study aims to examine urban expansion and resource scarcity arguing that conventional models of urban development are increasingly unsustainable in the face of climate change, ecological degradation and socio-economic inequality. Unplanned land-use change, groundwater depletion, waste accumulation, and energy inefficiency threaten long-term urban resilience. If the current expansion that prioritizes growth over ecological balance has to be realigned with sustainable urbanization rooted in circular economy principles, inclusive governance, and climate-responsive infrastructure. The study offers policy recommendations for integrated urban resource management, green infrastructure investment, and adaptive capacity building by aligning urban development with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). There is critical need for a paradigm shift from reactive urban expansion to proactive sustainability planning which is essential for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
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