As our world rapidly urbanises, cities are becoming home to a new generation of leaders and changemakers. Young people are at the heart of this transformation, especially across emerging urbanisation centres like Bhubaneswar.
On World Cities Day 2024, we are not just reflecting on the state of cities or discussing the right to adequate housing, we are asking next-gen leaders to step up and act as the driving force behind sustainable urban development. Their leadership is crucial in empowering youth to take the lead in shaping their urban present and future through participatory processes and local leadership.
Bhubaneswar’s population is growing, though ageing. It’s time to catch them young and our cities must prepare for the future in an era where urban governance is complemented by tools like artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IOT), machine learning (ML), etc.
Today, around 10,00,000 people call Bhubaneswar home, and in 20 years’ time, that number will grow to around 20,00,000 on a conservative estimate in the absence of 2021 population census. Bhubaneswar needs to make sure that our city is a healthy and enjoyable place for these people to live and work in. Bhubaneswar must make sure that they can travel across, in and out of the city quickly and easily, and have plenty of things to do in their spare time.
In doing so, Bhubaneswar will get little from its existing master plan, town planning scheme or ongoing activities in smart city missions. This is simply because of advancements in urban planning, technology and innovation around city management that its existing tools are unable to respond to in tackling challenges poses by urbanisation. Imagine today a delivery boy being able to reach our home to deliver medicine within 10 minutes, whereas emergency vehicles require hours to reach their destination due congestion or simple bad urban management.
Having said so, I believe Bhubaneswar will always be a beautiful city. A city teeming with culture and history. A city that has everything that its inhabitants need. A city surrounded by varied landscapes. A city of knowledge with well-educated people. A city with businesses and commerce that keep moving forward.
At the same time, we shouldn’t forget that Bhubaneswar is moving towards a new future. Which means we must focus on building affordable homes in a healthy, green environment, with easy access to the city and beyond, and healthcare nearby.
All of these things require space — cycle lanes, footpaths, roads, parks, sports fields, shops, schools and theatres. If we put all these elements next to one another, one will end up with a city that resembles something beyond ongoing planning process.
That’s exactly where IOT, AI, ML will play a bigger role for the development of Bhubaneswar. These new tools will answer the city’s existing as well as future challenges. We must take a call on whether we build it at ground level or underground? Or do we build upwards?
Modern urban planning makes sure that buildings and public space are used for multiple purposes. There are buildings that have shops at ground level, offices above, and homes higher up. Homes that are suitable for working from home. Noise barriers that double as solar cells. Sports fields that can also serve as a space to temporarily store relief materials. And buildings that house schools, gyms, offices, homes, shops, healthcare practices and theatres.
We will thus bring more life to our neighbourhoods. Reducing the need to travel is something the exercise of urban planning must answer.
What could be a better time to look for an answer than United Nations’ designated Urban October, a month completely devoted towards urbanisation. The last day of the month, celebrated annually as World Cities Day, reminds people that they are responsible for the habitat of future generations.
Therefore, our approach must co-create sustainable neighbourhood with room for work, sports, culture and leisure, exercise, relax and spend time in nature, where everyone can take part in society. Regardless of whether one is rich or poor, employed or unemployed, disabled or need care. Simply put, Bhubaneswar should be a city where everyone is welcome and feels welcome.