Preventing urban problems than curing them

The process of sub urbanization and the consequent conglomeration of people in a particular area always created certain associated problems. Providing basic amenities (such as water supply, schools, hospitals etc.) and other infrastructural facilities in the fringe areas is now a ticklish issue in certain areas of the state. The absence or low quality of these facilities in the rural areas, in turn created more pressure on the urban sources of such facilities. It created imbalances and inefficiencies in the urban economy.

Generally, the development of the basic facilities is not in proportion with the growth in population and the immediate needs of the people. Therefore, proper attention should be given to enhance the basic facilities in the urban and the fringe areas of the state. Almost all the city corporations, municipalities and local bodies have been entrusted with sufficient funds to develop additional infrastructural facilities to meet the expanding urbanization process.

In spite of the best efforts of the government, the truth is that the developments in Real Estate in Kerala is far ahead of the government’s response system to this trend. Consider the situation in Kochi. The water and sanitation facilities in Kochi have been designed for use for just one fourth of the present population in the city. Due to the spiraling migration of people to the city, to take advantage of the career and business opportunities, this city is now bursting at its seams and the urban development authorities are unable to cope up with this increased pressure on the limited urban lands.

The only way out is to plan in advance the civic amenities to be put in place in the emerging business hubs of the state. Through a proper planning approach, and by providing adequate provision to deal with the needs of the people that will be migrating to these locations in the future, it will be possible to do away with the negative aspects plaguing the city centers. The dictum ‘prevention is better than cure’ needs to be given added emphasis here.