Background
India has witnessed an impressive industrial growth in recent years, that can be attributed to various factors, including the government's initiatives to promote industrial development, increased investment in infrastructure, and a growing demand for goods and services with the increase in population. According to the Economic Survey 2023-24, the industrial sector grew by 9.5%, with many States significantly contributing in it. While it has driven economic growth and improved living standards, it has also led to rapid urban growth, and increased pressure on the environment in general and natural resources in particular. Overall, industrialization-induced urbanization in India has presented both opportunities and challenges.
In many States, there are specific industrial zones developed with associated urban development alongside and on periphery and the pace of such concomitant urbanization is unprecedented, posing its own threats from disaster risk hazards and vulnerability point of view. At times, unplanned and/or haphazard urban growth adversely impacts the disaster resilience and preparedness of that area, ultimately resulting into plight of people and heavy economic loss. This can even be viewed as one of the major impediments on the way of fulfilling our commitment towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
In recent years, devastating floods of Pune (2019), Hyderabad (2020), Bengaluru (2022), Gurugram (2022) and Vadodara (2024), and cyclone Dana (October 2024), affected urban areas of Kolkata, Haldia, Digha and Balasore have exposed the criticality of this issue and have underscored the need for planned development and integrated utilities management services. Experience worldwide has shown that while reshaping our cities into vibrant economic hubs at an unprecedented pace, we also face pressing issues such as infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation, disaster risks and the need for equitable service delivery. Addressing these challenges demands innovative and collaborative governance models and appropriate leveraging of the technologies.
In this dynamic landscape, the need for collaboration amongst various stakeholders is increasingly felt. It’s needless to say that as majority of Industries are run by the private sector, they can potentially emerge as a key player in the transformation of our urban spaces. By contributing expertise, investment and technological innovation, private enterprises have the potential to enhance efficiency, drive sustainability and improve the quality of urban services. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can provide solutions to infrastructure challenges, improve disaster resilience and promote climate-conscious urban planning, ensuring long-term growth that benefits all stakeholders.
A significant period of more than 15 years has lapsed since India enacted its Special Investment Region (SIR) Act (2009), during which various States have made significant efforts to ensure planned development, better utilities services and disaster risk reduction in the growing areas notified as SIR. Gujarat, being one of the first states to adopt this concept, presents Classic examples of planned development can be seen at Petroleum and petro-chemicals Industrial Region (PCPIR), Bechraji SIR, Dholera SIR (Greenfield Smart City). Albeit in Gujarat, even prior to the enactment of SIR Act, Industrial Townships like GSFC and IPCL (now Reliance) Vadodara; GNFC, Bharuch; Reliance Township Jamnagar; etc. have all strived to be one of the best-planned and well-maintained townships in India, showcasing commitment to providing a high-quality living environment for its citizens.
In this backdrop, it is proposed to organize a one-day workshop that will serve as a platform to bring together stakeholders from government, industry, Community Based Organganisations (CBOs) and academia to foster meaningful dialogue on how an enabling Governance Regime can be evolved wherein the private sector can work in tandem with public institutions to create cities that are sustainable, resilient and inclusive.
Through a series of thought-provoking sessions and insightful discussions, the event will explore critical aspects of collaborative urban governance. Topics include the private sector’s role in shaping policy and operational frameworks, ethical and accountability considerations and innovative approaches to infrastructure and service delivery. By analyzing real-world case studies and good practices, the program will highlight actionable strategies for strengthening public-private collaboration.
Objectives of the Workshop
- Understand the complementarity of rapid industrialization and urbanization and think about innovative regime for effective governance with citizen centric approach.
- To study the best practices and examine how private enterprises, can complement public efforts in addressing urban challenges, enhancing infrastructure, service delivery and governance efficiency through innovative and sustainable approaches for enhancing disaster resilience of our urban centres.
- Develop actionable strategies for strengthening partnerships, focusing on creating resilient, sustainable and inclusive urban spaces through effective public-private collaboration.
- Discuss mechanisms to ensure transparency, equity and ethical practices in private sector engagement, aligning initiatives with public interest and inclusive urban development goals.
- Identify ways the private sector can contribute to building robust infrastructure and improving disaster risk management capabilities, particularly in the context of climate risks.
- Facilitate discussions on the evolving needs of urban governance and chart a forward-looking roadmap for integrating private sector expertise with public sector initiatives to drive sustainable urban growth.
Ultimately, the event aspires to inspire a shared vision for our urban future—one where government and other stakeholders work hand in hand to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and deliver a high quality of life for all urban residents. This collective effort is expected to result into a Compendium of Recommendations on the much needed Policy Interventions leading to sustainable and forward-thinking urban governance in India and beyond.
Target Audience
Government Representatives
- Representatives from Industries Department, Town Planners, Area/ Regional Development Authority, Special Investment Regions, etc.).
- Disaster Management authorities (e.g., GSDMA, Revenue Dept., etc.).
Private Sector Leaders
- Infrastructure and construction companies engaged in urban development projects.
- Technology firms specializing in smart cities, urban mobility, and data analytics.
- Utility providers (e.g., water supply, power distribution, waste management).
- Representatives from industries contributing to urban growth (e.g., real estate, logistics and manufacturing).
Academia and Research Institutions
- Urban planning and architecture experts.
- Environmental and climate researchers focused on urban resilience.
- Think tanks and policy research organizations with expertise in governance and PPPs.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society
- Organizations advocating for sustainable urban development and climate action.
- Community-based organizations working on equity and social inclusion in urban areas.
Date & Venue
The one-day workshop will be held in-person at the Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM), located at Raysan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat on 7th January 2025 at 9.00am Onwards.
