Nagarlok - Quarterly Journal of Urban Affairs - A UGC-CARE Listed Journal

Published in Association with Indian Institute of Public Administration

Current Volume: 57 (2025 )

ISSN: 0027-7584

Periodicity: Quarterly

Month(s) of Publication: March, June, September & December

Subject: Social Science

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/NL

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Nagarlok, a quarterly journal of Urban Affairs, is recognised under the UGC- Care list Group 1. It emphasis research and scholarly analysis on a range of urban themes: Urban life, metropolitan systems, city regions, urban planning and development, urban infrastructure, urban economy, urban environment and sustainability and urban policy. With a cutting-edge approach to linking theoretical development and empirical research, NAGARLOK encompasses key material from an unparalleled ranged of critical, comparative and geographic perspectives.

EBSCO

Director General, IIPA
Surendra Nath Tripathi

Joint Editor
Kusum Lata

Associate Professor
(Urban and Regional Planning) CUS,
IIPA, New Delhi


Members
V.N. Alok

Professor, Urban Finance
IIPA, New Delhi


P.S.N. Rao

Professor, Housing School of Planning and Architecture
New Delhi


Charru Malhotra

Professor, e-Governance & ICT IIPA,
New Delhi


O.P. Mathur

Professor, Urban Governance Institute of Social Sciences
New Delhi


Sachin Chowdhry

Associate Professor
Public Administration IIPA,
New Delhi


K.K. Pandey

Professor, Urban Management IIPA,
New Delhi


Amit Singh

Assistant Professor
Urban Development IIPA,
New Delhi


Hitesh Vaidya

Director, NIUA


Copy Editor
Usha Jha

IIPA


Volume 57 Issue 1 , (Jan-2025 to Mar-2025)

Policy Initiatives and their role in Shaping Urban Growth: Case Study Bengaluru

By: Anurita Bhatnagar , Vanita Ahuja , Amit Kumar

Page No : 1-17

Abstract
Policy initiatives are regarded as crucial tools for steering growth and development in urban areas. These initiatives shape growth strategies and facilitate the spatial, economic, and social transformation of cities. Many dynamic and thriving cities are the result of thoughtful and well-implemented policy measures. Indian cities, like their global counterparts, have progressed and prospered through such tailored policy frameworks.
        In the case of Bengaluru, popularly known as India’s Silicon Valley, policy interventions have played a pivotal role in shaping its urban and economic landscape. This paper examines the interplay of policy measures, urban planning, and stakeholders’ participation that have influenced Bengaluru’s trajectory. The analysis draws from the existing literature on the economic growth of urban centres and findings from relevant studies and presentations on Bengaluru. Recommendations are also provided for ensuring sustainable and resilient urban growth.

Authors
Anurita Bhatnagar, Research Scholar, RICS School of Built Environment.
Dr. Vanita Ahuja, Director, RICS School of Built Environment.
Dr. Amit Kumar, Associate Professor, Christ Deemed to be University.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.01.1

Price: 251

Integrated Urba Regeneration through Sustainable Architecture: Policy, Practice, and Impact in Emerging Economies

By: Alpana , Ila Gupta , Madhuri Kumari

Page No : 18-30

Abstract
Urban regeneration in emerging economies represents a pivotal response to escalating urban challenges such as rapid population growth, socio-spatial inequality, and environmental degradation. This study explores the role of sustainable architecture as a transformative enabler in integrated urban regeneration, with India as the focal point. Drawing upon a qualitative thematic analysis, the research incorporates extensive academic literature, including journals like ‘Nagarlok’, ‘Indian Journal of Public Administration’, and policy documents, as well as international case studies from Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, and the Philippines. The paper not only analyses India’s current trajectory but also offers a forward-looking vision for inclusive and sustainable urban transformation. It argues for a reconfiguration of India’s urban regeneration paradigm towards a community-driven, climate-adaptive, and designintegrated model. It concludes with policy recommendations advocating integrated governance, empowered urban local bodies, mandatory regional building codes, realtime monitoring systems, community-centric approaches, and financing innovations to achieve holistic and future-ready urban development.

Authors:
Ms Alpana Kamble, Research Scholar, Amity University.
Dr Ila Gupta, Director Amity school of Architecture and Planning, Amity University, Gurugram 
Dr Madhuri Kumari, Professor Department of Civil Engineering, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Gurugram.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.01.2

Price: 251

Implementation Challenges in Redevelopment of Government Housing in Delhi

By: Ashu Chaudhary , Poonam Prakash

Page No : 31-52

Abstract
Master Plan implementation is fraught with varied challenges, particularly in translating policies into actionable projects. Although the literature on plan preparation is extensive, research on plan implementation especially in Indian context, remains limited. This study of master plan implementation process was examined through the redevelopment of government employees’ housing in Delhi. It analyses implementation process by identifying the key challenges, gaps, and role of existing institutional frameworks in shaping redevelopment outcomes. The study identifies systemic issues such as absence of detailed local-level plans, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, lack of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism, and lack of institutional coordination— contributing to delays and thereby suboptimal achievement of planning objectives. The missing links in implementation process of redevelopment projects contribute to delays and dilute the intended planning objectves.

Authors:
Ashu Chaudhary, PhD Scholar, SPA.
Dr. Poonam Prakash, Ph.D, Professor, Department of Physical Planning.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.01.3

Price: 251

Revitalising Urban Green Spaces: Insights from West Bengal’s Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation

By: Joy Karmakar

Page No : 53-69

Abstract
This study examines the development of Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) in West Bengal, focusing on the impact of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) on small towns. Rapid urbanisation has led to significant reductions in green spaces across India, affecting environmental sustainability and quality of life. The study identifies three key aspects of urban green space management: availability, financial allocation, and public awareness. The findings indicate that smaller towns, particularly those outside the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA), have shown notable improvements in green spaces, largely due to AMRUT’s focus on less developed regions. However, green space per person remains below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels, especially in larger KMA towns. Financial analysis reveals that mid-sized KMA towns allocate more resources to green space, suggesting stronger urban planning frameworks. Conversely, larger non-KMA towns show limited investment, highlighting financial constraints and lower prioritisation. Public surveys indicate different patterns of engagement between genders, with males engaging more in structured activities like exercising, while females predominantly use green spaces for walking. The study emphasises the need for continued investment and strategic planning to promote equitable green space development, ensuring sustainability and improved living standards across urban centres.

Author
Joy Karmakar
, Lecturer, Dept. of Geography, Serampore College.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.01.4

Price: 251

Barriers to Smart City Development: A Case of Dharamshala Smart City of Himachal Pradesh, India

By: Naina Sambher , D.D. Sharma

Page No : 70-84

Abstract
This paper identifies the primary barriers to smart city development in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, by analysing expert perceptions and citizen satisfaction levels. The data for this study has been gathered by smart city experts and a cross-section of the general public regarding their perceptions and satisfaction levels respectively. Drawing upon experts’ feedback and a review of existing literature, the identified barriers are subsequently assessed and ranked using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Smart Cities are solutions to urban development related problems such as provision of basic amenities, viz. water supply, sewerage, sanitation, traffic congestion and housing quality, integrated with information and communication technology that can be used as a source for future predictions, enabling convergence of projects with local authorities and organisations. It has been concluded from the study that there is a need for real time accessibility of data-based planning and decision-making in Dharamshala smart city.

Authors:
Naina Sambher, Ph. D. Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Himachal Pradesh University.
Prof. D.D. Sharma, Professor and Chairman, Department of Geography, Himachal Pradesh University.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.01.5

Price: 251

Contextualising Sustainable Development Through Rurbanisation: A Study of Rural-Urban Continuum in Odisha

By: Pingakschya Pattanayak , Sangita Dhal

Page No : 85-106

Abstract
India’s developmental trajectory is a paradox, marked by a growing economic prosperity on one hand and glaring inequality, on the other. The predominance of a rural-agrarian economy saw overwhelming focus on rural development and agricultural growth to ensure food security and social stability since the time of India’s independence. Successive governments at the central level realised that the fundamentals of economy depend on the progress and upliftment of the rural areas and hence focused on the countryside. However, as times changed and with the advent of economic reforms in the early 1990s, the political economy of India underwent a paradigm shift. Expanding economic opportunities and avenues of employment attracted skilled, semi-skilled as well as unskilled workforce into the urban areas and these migratory movements redefined the contours of human settlements and spawned unique challenges associated with them.
        Recognising the importance of Rural-Urban Continuum and holistic developmental model, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission (SPMRM) was launched in February 2016 to address rurbanisation and its importance in the context of sustainable development. The study examines policy imperatives as well as governance initiatives to expedite the process of bridging the gap between rural and urban. This study also seeks to explore the trend of rurbanisation in Odisha and examine whether it is in sync with the goals of sustainable development and regional policy.

Authors:
Pingakschya Pattanayak, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, University of Delhi.
Prof. Sangita Dhal, Department of Political Science, Kalindi College, University of Delhi.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.01.6

Price: 251

Strengthening Rural – Urban linkages for Inclusive Development: A study in India

By: P. Vasantha Gouri

Page No : 107-124

Abstract
Migration of people from villages to cities is a common phenomenon. Over a period of time, this migration led to rapid growth of urban population. In India, urban population with its urban way of living led to increased consumption of processed foods. Since the food production is from rural areas, there is a clear dependence of urban people over the rural products. Rapid urbanisation demands more diversified food production. Rural-Urban Linkages (R&U) in this context can benefit the people living in both the countryside and town areas as they play a crucial role in income and employment generation in the country. However, till date there is no comprehensive policy to strengthen R&U linkages in the country. This study focusses on increasing scope for Rural-Urban Linkages and thereby contribute to inclusive growth of India.

Author
Dr P. Vasantha Gouri,
Assistant Professor, Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.01.7

Price: 251

Instruction to the Author

This is intended as a guide for authors submitting a manuscript to NAGARLOK and as an aid to the preparation of the final copy of accepted articles.

Manuscript
• Manuscript should be in MS Word format. This should include the name, email ID and the institutional affiliation of the author(s).
• Manuscripts in English should use British spelling and typographical conventions.
• The maximum word limit is 6000 words only (all inclusive).

Articles
• There should be no line spaces between paragraphs.
• Notes should be listed at the end of the main text.
• Manuscripts should be typed in Times New Roman, font size 12, each page numbered.

Punctuation and Abbreviations
• Single quotation marks should be used to enclose actual quotes from other sources or for technical terms when they are first introduced. On subsequent mention of technical terms, no quotation marks should be used. Excessive use of quotation marks should be avoided.
• Double quotation marks are used to enclose quotes within text which is itself quoted.
• Latin abbreviations such as ‘i.e.’ or ‘e.g.’ are acceptable only in expressions within parentheses, as here: ‘adjectives which collocate with fare (e.g. wholesome, simple, country) ...’ Elsewhere, they should be replaced by their English equivalents, ‘that is’ or ‘for example’. Italic should not be used for such abbreviations or for such common Latin expressions as ‘ad hoc’, et al., etc.
• Numbers up to 9 and vaguely expressed numbers should be spelled out in words. However, any numbers in a statistical context, precise numbers, units of measurement, and numbers above 100 should be stated in figures.

Table and Figures
• Every table should be given a number and brief title or caption set above the body of the table and source at the bottom.
• Figures are also given a number and a caption, set above the body of the figure and source at the bottom.
• Avoid such expressions as ‘In the following table ...’, As can be seen in the figure above ...’ In the printed version these elements may need to be repositioned due to constraints of page layout, always after the first mention of the Table or Figure number in the text.
• Source of figures should be given at the end of the table.
• All the figures should be conducive for monochromatic printing. • Instead of using shades of black, use patterns.
• The legend boxes should be big enough so that pattern is clearly visible.

Text References
• Page references should be provided when reference is made to a specific passage in a book or article. These appear after the date of publication and are preceded by a colon and a single space: Jefferson (1996: 296- 299) or Cowie (1999: 79).
• All works cited in the running text must be listed in the reference section at the end of the text.
• The reference section should include only those works that were cited in the text. Whenever possible, please give the full first names of authors and editors.
 

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