Planning of cities must be people-centric, says Manohar Lal as Brics forum adopts urban pact

NEW DELHI: Planning of cities and towns must be people-centric and responsive to citizens’ needs, housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal said Friday as Brics nations adopted an Urban Ministerial Declaration committing to inclusive development, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups.The declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the two-day Brics Urbanisation Forum, themed ‘Cities for People’, emphasised the need to create liveable cities that ensure equitable access to housing, infrastructure and urban services.Addressing a press conference, Lal said that urbanisation was a common challenge facing all Brics countries. While only about 35% of India’s population currently lives in urban areas, UN projections indicate the country’s urbanisation level could exceed 70% in the coming decades, making sustainable city planning a critical priority.“Planning should be such that it’s acceptable to people,” Lal said, in response to a question.The declaration also highlighted the need to strengthen local govts and institutions, promote climate-resilient urban development, and leverage digital technologies to improve governance, planning and citizen-centric services.Hosted by housing and urban affairs ministry under India’s Brcis chairship, the forum brought together ministers, senior officials and urban experts from member nations.Officials said the discussions reflected common challenges faced by Brics nations, including rapid urban growth, infrastructure gaps, fiscal constraints, climate risks and the need to make cities more liveable and equitable.