By Vaishnavi, SDG Reporter
As an SDG Reporter, I am excited to share how the Government of India is working hard to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), which aims to make cities safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. NITI Aayog, the organization that keeps track of India's progress on the SDGs, has highlighted several important programs that focus on building better cities. These programs address challenges like housing, transportation, waste management, and even livelihood support for street vendors. Here’s what I’ve learned about these initiatives and my observations on how they impact us.
1. Smart Cities Mission
This program aims to transform over 100 cities across India into "smart cities" by using modern technology to improve energy, water supply, transportation, and waste management. I think it’s amazing how technology can make cities smarter and life easier for citizens. For example, smart traffic systems can reduce traffic jams and pollution in busy areas.
2. PM e-Bus Seva Scheme
This scheme promotes eco-friendly electric buses in cities, reducing pollution and providing safer public transport. My observation: electric buses are an important step toward clean energy and reducing our carbon footprint. They are quieter, greener, and definitely the way forward for our environment.
3. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
AMRUT focuses on providing clean drinking water, better sewerage, and proper drainage systems in cities. From what I’ve read, this mission is helping improve the quality of life for people, especially in smaller towns, by providing basic facilities that every city needs.
4. Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)
This is a very well-known program aimed at keeping our cities clean and free from open defecation. I see its impact in my city, where the number of dustbins and public toilets has increased, and people are more aware of cleanliness. Still, I think we need to focus on managing garbage better, especially in crowded areas.
5. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U)
This program ensures affordable housing for urban poor and aims to fulfill the dream of "Housing for All." My observation: I believe this is a very thoughtful scheme because everyone deserves a proper home. It’s heartwarming to know that so many families now have a roof over their heads.
6. National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)
HRIDAY works on preserving the culture and history of Indian cities while also planning for urban development. I find this program fascinating because it shows that progress doesn’t have to mean forgetting our roots. Protecting heritage and creating better infrastructure can go hand in hand.
7. PM Street Vendors’ Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANIDHI)
This program helps street vendors by providing them with loans to restart their businesses after COVID-19. I feel this initiative is very inclusive because street vendors are such an important part of our cities. Supporting them not only improves their lives but also boosts the local economy.
8. MRTS and Metro Projects
Mass Rapid Transit Systems (MRTS) and metro projects are all about creating better public transport systems. I use the metro sometimes, and I love how it saves time and reduces traffic on roads. These systems are clean, efficient, and a great solution to urban transport problems.
9. National Livelihood Mission - Ajeevika
This mission trains urban poor with skills to help them earn a livelihood. From what I’ve learned, this program is giving people the confidence to start their own small businesses or find better jobs. It’s inspiring to see how these efforts are lifting people out of poverty.
10. City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain (CITIIS 2.0)
CITIIS 2.0 focuses on finding new and creative ways to develop cities in a sustainable way. I think this program is exciting because it encourages cities to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions for urban problems.
My Observations
While these initiatives are impressive, I feel there’s still a lot of work to do. In some places, people aren’t fully aware of the government programs or how they can benefit from them. As a student, I think education and awareness campaigns should be part of every program to ensure everyone can participate in creating sustainable cities.
Also, I feel that we, as citizens, have a big role to play. Programs like Swachh Bharat Mission or Smart Cities Mission can only succeed if we take responsibility for keeping our surroundings clean and using public transport more often.
It’s inspiring to see how these efforts are shaping the future of our cities. With everyone working together, I believe we can make India’s cities not just sustainable but also truly beautiful places to live.
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