It has been estimated that by 2050, nearly half of the Indian population will be living in urban areas – that is half of 1.70 billion people (the estimated population by 2050).Living in the city seems to be the dream that many Indians are chasing. The chance of a better, more comfortable life is obviously an enticement. This is evident in the massive rural-urban migration and the impact it has had on urban infrastructure.

    In 2012, the government had even addressed the need to modernise these cities before they ‘implode’ under the pressure. Recognising these challenges, the state has made efforts in speeding up the urbanisation process in the country.

   Initiatives like the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and more recently Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), were launched to improve quality of life in cities and developing more cities....