Kayakalp – Aapke Haathon
A Jagriti initiative for transforming urban services in Purvanchal
Envision the future of your city/town / kasba / gaon
JECP’s Urbanization Center of Excellence, firmly believes that Middle India needs an urbanization model that does not lead to the formation of more congested megapolises. We believe that there is a clear alternate path, by leveraging connectivity – both, physical and digital. We also believe that this alternate path needs to be built on the ambitions and vision of the citizens of the region. They understand the challenges of this region better. So, if you have an idea of how to solve your day-to-day problems, we want to hear it. It could be to do with any aspect of Urban Services – energy, transport, housing, water (access or quality) waste, pollution, health & education, entertainment & culture, safety …or any other aspect that could improve the quality of life for you and your neighbors.
Our hypothesis of urbanisation in Middle India
We believe that the Urbanisation of Middle India (i.e. Tier 2/3 cities) needs to result in smaller cities, spread out, and interconnected at the socio-economic level. Why do we believe this ?
- This is necessary for “ease of living”
- This is natural where urban centers are typically around 100 kms away from each other. Improved transport connectivity can enable to & fro in a day
- This is quite possible, without losing out scale benefits for businesses, with the growing penetration of technology
We also believe that achieving this vision requires proactive actions from all stakeholders. In absence of such initiative, we expect the growth of more overflowing megapolises
- That attract migrants from Middle India,
- House a growing population of urban poor, and
- Fulfill dreams of a very small percentage of those who wager their youth in pursuit of the opportunity to get out of poverty
For Purvanchal as a pioneer of this model
Our vision builds on the characteristics and strengths of Purvanchal
- People – Nearly one-fourth of UP’s population; Congestion visible in almost all towns like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Deoria, Kasia; 13 district towns within 90 min of Varanasi or Gorakhpur; Largest region of migration to megapolises in India and possibly the world
- Produce – economy growing at 4% compared to 6% for UP; Limited local value-addition impacts per-capita income
- Patrimony – Rich cultural heritage, largely declining; Several important religious and educational hubs
- Passage (Mega infra being built) – 2 international airports; National Highways to North and South; Purvanchal expressway and its Gorakhpur link, planned; Potential for waterways with riverine areas
Accordingly, we believe that the following Principles would be key to exploiting the potential of the region
- ENTERPRISE LED: Build enterprises on the foundation of local economic, ecological and cultural strengths
- INTEGRATED: Develop several rural-urban zones integrating the existing and new areas of development
- INFRASTRUCTURE LED:
- Anticipate demand for urban services 10 years hence; Switch to “Infrastructure-led growth”, instead of “infrastructure lagging growth”, in each zone
- Develop Regional Infrastructure for these zones to leverage the Mega Infrastructure and develop the region into a megapolis
- INCLUSIVE: Involve citizens, local leaders, private sector alongside the government in urban planning
Urbanisation
The Urbanisation COE is envisaged as a medium of dialogue between the citizens of the region and the relevant authorities, to shape and guide the above vision. The experts who contribute their time to the COE’s mission are convinced about the alternate urbanisation model, and aware of the need for the model to develop with stakeholder participation. Hence, while they bring extensive experience from various parts of the world, they are extremely conscious of not prescribing retrofitting or replicating any other city as the preferred model for the region.
What’s in it for you?
Besides the chance to contribute to the improvement of your area, there is also an opportunity to win prize money.
A panel of experts will judge each entry on its Impact, and Implementation readiness, and select four winners, who will get Rs 25,000 each.
A Certificate of Participation will be given to each participant who scores over 50 marks.
The awards be given at the inauguration of Jagriti Enterprise Center, targeted for December 2021. Popular actor, Pankaj Tripathi, has been invited to inaugurate the Center, and give the awards.
