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

Published in Association with Indian Institute of Public Administration

Current Volume: 56 (2024 )

ISSN: 0027-7584

Periodicity: Quarterly

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

Subject: Social Science

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

300

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 56 Issue 4 , (Oct- to Dec-2024)

Regulatory Framework for Town Planning in India: A Perspective

By: Radhika Sarda , R. Srinivas

Page No : 375-393

Abstract
With India’s urban population approaching 40 per cent of the overall population and cities estimated to contribute 75 per cent of national GDP by 2030, it is critical to take an integrated approach towards urban development and administration (World Bank, 2015). This approach requires not only effective planning tools but also a robust legislative and institutional framework for successful implementation.

The present paper reviews the planning legislations of all States and Union Territories in India by examining the status of Town and Country Planning Acts, institutional and implementation tools. It also discusses the need to incorporate modern concepts and rationalising implementation tools for more informed and project-oriented planning. The findings reveal that the states still need to make their legislations more comprehensive by revising their Town and Country Planning Acts.

This study has attempted to put a spotlight on the legislative framework impacting the efficacy of the planning process. As urban areas expand and complexity increases, an appropriate planning framework is critical for ensuring integrated plans and sustainable growth of cities.

Author :
Radhika Sarda, Young Professional, High Level Committee on Urban Planning, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India.
R. Srinivas, Urban Planning Expert, Asian Development Bank - Transit Oriented Development Cell (ADB-TOD), Institute of Urban Transport, Government of India.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.1

Price: 251

Provisions and Implementation of Real Estate Regulatory Acts in Various States of India - A Review

By: Richa Goyal , P. S. N. Rao

Page No : 394-410

Abstract
The construction industry in India is a vital component of the country’s economic development, serving as the second largest employer and contributing approximately 6.5 per cent to the GDP. Despite its significance, the sector has been largely unregulated and disorganised. To address these issues and curb the increasing malpractices, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act of 2016, commonly known as RERA, was introduced. The primary objective of RERA is to regulate and promote the real estate industry efficiently and transparently while protecting the interests of home buyers. The Act came into force on May 1, 2016, initially notifying 52 of its 92 sections, with the remaining provisions implemented on May 1, 2017. Real estate governance in India is characterised by a combination of central and state-level laws. RERA mandates state governments to establish implementation rules within six months of the Act’s commencement. This paper aims to investigate the regulatory provisions enacted by various states to govern the real estate sector, particularly in the case of Uttar Pradesh (UP). The analysis shows how these regulatory frameworks deviate from the Central Act, hampering consumer interests and the effectiveness of regulation in the states.
 

Author :
Richa Goyal, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Housing, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, India.
P.S.N. Rao, Dean (Planning and Development), School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, India
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.2

Price: 251

Green-Blue Sustainability Initiatives for Higher Education Institutions

By: Vanshul , Ashwani Luthra

Page No : 411-429

Abstract
Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) have always been the role model of innovative ideas and new thinking in the world, but with the environmental challenges growing more sharply, the role of the universities needs to be reimagined otherwise the transition to sustainable world will become much harder. With the rapid pace of urbanisation, the cities are more oriented towards concretisation rather than focussing on green-blue sustainability concerns. This paper attempts to appraise the green-blue sustainability initiatives taken up by various HEIs around the globe. The Indian Institutions need to learn from them and start giving due consideration to embedding green-blue sustainability initiatives into their campuses. The initiatives taken up by the different campuses can serve as the benchmarks for Indian Institutions to adopt and comply with them.

Author :
Vanshul, Research Scholar, Guru Ramdas School of Planning, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
Dr. Ashwani Luthra, Professor, Guru Ramdas School of Planning, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.3

Price: 251

Spatial Planning Strategies for Resilient Cities

By: Pankhuri Bhatia

Page No : 430-438

Abstract
Cities worldwide confront numerous urban development issues due to rapid changes in urbanisation. They face persistent challenges such as water scarcity, lack of affordable housing, poor air quality, high unemployment, poverty and inequality, inadequate public transportation, and acute shocks like earthquakes, floods, severe storms, extreme rainfall, and disease outbreaks. In response, various development concepts— such as Smart Cities, Sustainable Cities, Green Cities, and Healthy Cities—have emerged globally. However, these approaches often overlook the critical aspect of resilience. It is essential to integrate resilience and its core principles into the planning, development, and implementation of urban policies and initiatives. This paper explores spatial planning techniques that can support the creation of resilient cities.

Author :
Dr. Pankhuri Bhatia, Assistant Professor, Guru Ramdas School of Planning, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.4

Price: 251

Digitalisation and Environmental Concerns

By: V. Gnaneshwer

Page No : 439-450

Abstract
Of all the technological revolutions the world has experienced, the digital revolution stands out as the most transformative, game changing, developmentally critical and a challenging field. It is game changing because it has brought-out radical shifts in the lifestyles and development of the countries. Today digital technology has become indispensable to every sector including core areas like manufacturing, agriculture, communication, transport, defence, space, environment, finance, business, medicine, wellbeing and leisure activities. The economies are already reaping the benefits of digitalisation. Even global environmental monitoring agencies are dependent upon the growing digital knowledge and technologies. Digitisation is transforming the entire developmental maps of the countries and in the process, the digital infrastructure itself is undergoing constant transformation inventing new devices and technologies to meet the changing needs of the societies across the world. Unfortunately this global party is being spoiled by certain environmental concerns. Its intensive energy use, pollution-ridden device manufacturing and the e-waste are the prime environmental issues confronting the countries today. This paper, while explaining the significance of digitalisation in the current development scenario across the world, discusses the emerging energy, environmental and public health problems. Besides, the paper attempts to present an environmentally sustainable digitalisation framework.

Author :
Prof. V. Gnaneshwar (Retd.) Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies Osmania University, Hyderabad
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.5

Price: 251

Investigating General Public’s Perspective on Air Pollution Causes: A Study of Lucknow City’s Residential, Commercial and Industrial Areas

By: Suleman

Page No : 451-471

Abstract
Air pollution is a critical global concern, posing substantial health risks and environmental degradation, and public perceptions of its causes can vary significantly based on location and socio-economic factors. This study focuses on the diverse perceptions of air pollution causes among residents in different areas of Lucknow City, including residential, commercial, and industrial zones. For this purpose, the exploratory research design was applied and primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire on a sample of 523 respondents taken through the purposive sampling technique.

The results revealed that Lucknow’s air quality is uneven; commercial and industrial areas have higher pollution levels, while residential areas are better. However, the overall AQI remains a concern. The paper highlights the importance of localised approaches in combating air pollution and enhancing urban environmental health.

Author :
Suleman, Senior Research Fellow Department of Geography, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.6

Price: 251

Innovation, Sustainability and Citizen-Centricity through Smart Cities: Lessons for India

By: Bhawna Gupta , Tanya Ahuja

Page No : 472-487

Abstract
Across the globe, smart cities have emerged as instruments for facilitating innovative and citizen-centric urban transformation with sustainable digital approaches being embodied in city planning, infrastructure and service-design. In India, Smart Cities Mission was initiated by the Government in 2015 with an ambitious endeavour to improve quality of life by employing ‘smart solutions’ in 100 selected cities by strengthening their socio-economic, physical and institutional pillars. This paper reviews some of the best global practices that can further metamorphose India’s smart cities into innovative, sustainable and citizen-centric urban spaces. This paper uses secondary data from research articles, government reports, and websites. Through descriptive analysis, it highlights the importance of policy transfers in addressing emerging urbanisation challenges and facilitating the effective implementation of Smart Cities.

Based on the review, the paper suggests ten lessons for India which include, among others, a bottom-up approach in policy and planning, employing collaborative technology, strengthening local governments and making people ‘smart’ to nudge them to act as true ‘agents of change.’

Author :
Bhawna Gupta, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Tanya Ahuja, Research Scholar, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.7

Price: 251

Mushrooming of Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi : A Case Study of Sangam Vihar

By: Ashish Kumar , Soma Arora , Anand Prakash

Page No : 488-508

Abstract
For decades, about one-third of Delhi’s population has lived in unauthorised colonies, lacking basic services, social infrastructure, and even recognition in the city’s master plans. These colonies are not a feasible option for the city’s long-term growth as they are disaster-prone due to a lack of varied municipal facilities and structural faults. The Supreme Court of India has also stated that the proliferation of unlawful colonies across the country is a threat to urban development. Hence, it is critical to thoroughly research these formal but legal, unplanned yet well-developed settlements since they are a solid reality today that cannot be wished away. The objective of the present research paper is to understand the causes, consequences, and extent of the proliferation of unauthorised colonies (UACs) in Sangam Vihar and to understand the efforts made in terms of regularising the UACs by present and previous government and regulatory bodies. The research is exploratory in nature and uses three separate data gathering techniques: document analysis, thematic narrative analysis, and a survey. This study primarily focuses on interviewing, documenting, and analysing the responses of inhabitants of Sangam Vihar, which is one of the largest unauthorised colony of Asia as a whole.

Author :
Ashish Kumar, Research Scholar, School of Leadership and Management, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies MRIIRS, Faridabad, Haryana
Dr. Soma Arora, Professor-PG, School of Leadership and Management, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies MRIIRS, Faridabad, Haryana.
Professor Anand Prakash, Professor Emeritus, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies MRIIRS, Faridabad Haryana
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.8

Price: 251

Spatial Organisation and Economic Impact of Manufacturing Sectors in Ludhiana: A Cluster Analysis

By: Mostafizur Rahman , Sandeep Dua

Page No : 509-525

Abstract
Ludhiana, a key industrial hub in India, boasts diverse and thriving manufacturing sectors. Understanding the spatial organisation of these sectors is crucial for optimising industrial planning and boosting economic growth. The authors have used locational quotient analysis and cluster analysis, based on registration data from Udyam Aadhar portal of Government of India including interviews with local stakeholders. The authors found that micro and small manufacturing enterprises dominate in Ludhiana both in terms of number of units and number of employees. Hosiery-knitwear manufacturing, bicycle parts manufacturing, and metal fastener manufacturing are prominent sectors in Ludhiana. The spatial concentration of hosiery and knitwear manufacturing is towards the northeast of Ludhiana, while bicycle parts and metal fastener manufacturing is concentrated in the southeastern part of the city. The backward linkages of all these sectors are stronger than their forward linkages, with most backward linkages located within the clusters. The hosiery and knitwear manufacturing sector has the highest number of shared infrastructures. These findings highlight the importance of localised industrial clusters in Ludhiana’s economic landscape and underscore the need for targeted policies to support these critical sectors.

Author :
Mostafizur Rahman, Research Scholar, Department of Architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
Sandeep Dua, Professor, Department of Architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.9

Price: 251

Learnings from Past: Heritage Town of Saswad—Potentials and Challenges

By: Ar. Vaidehi Lavand

Page No : 526-546

Abstract
Heritage and medieval town planning offer invaluable insights into how communities organised themselves in the past, reflecting social, economic, and cultural structures that can still be relevant today.The present paper begins with a discussion on the origin and evolution of the historic town of Saswad, a heritage town in Deccan region. The second part outlines the methodology devised to understand the cultural significance of Saswad, particularly in terms of its built heritage. Further discussions unfold various historical factors integral to the town’s development processes, aiming to comprehend the town as a cultural resource. The concluding section scrutinises issues related to heritage preservation in Saswad, providing concise guidelines for formulating a comprehensive Conservation Policy. The study employs observation and visual analysis methods, mapping, and inventories to support the arguments developed in the process of research.

Author :
Dr. Ar. Vaidehi Lavand, Associate Professor, SMEF’S Brick School of Architecture, Pune.
 

DOI : https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.10

Price: 251

Accelerating India’s Electric Vehicle Revolution: Policy, Sustainability, and the Road Ahead

By: Priti Rana , Amna Mirza

Abstract
India’s journey towards electric vehicles (EVs) is not just an environmental necessity or an issue but also a strategic move to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and foster economic growth through sustainable mobility solutions and dynamics. This paper elucidates the current landscape of EV adoption in India, analysing key policies such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) and the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP). It discusses the challenges of infrastructure, resource sustainability, and regulatory frameworks, while proposing key recommendations to enhance EV adoption, including f inancial incentives, localised manufacturing, and strengthened public-private collaborations. Moreover, the paper canvases the role of a circular economy for EVs, focusing on battery recycling and reuse to ensure long-term environmental benefits. As India works towards integrating EVs into public transportation systems and daily life, this paper elucidates the critical role of citizens, civil society, and corporate innovation in achieving a greener, more sustainable future for the nation.

Author :
Dr. Priti Rana, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.
Dr Amna Mirza, Associate Professor SPM College, University of Delhi.

 

DOI : DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2024.56.04.11

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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