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Peri-Urban and Rural Linkages for Adaptive Climate Governance
Context:
The concept of integrating peri-urban and rural areas in development planning could play a critical role in addressing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. By bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, peri-urban-rural linkages (PURL) could contribute to more sustainable and resilient communities, essential for mitigating climate impacts.
Urban-Rural Linkages (URLs):
- Concept: URLs suggest that urban and rural areas should not be developed in isolation. Instead, integrated planning can enhance climate resilience and sustainability.
- Guiding Principles: UN-Habitat’s URL Guiding Principles and Framework promote policies and strategies for cohesive development between urban and rural areas.
- Global Adoption: URLs are gaining momentum globally, with about 20 countries implementing URL frameworks in their national urban policies.
Defining ‘Peri-Urban’ Areas:
- Broad Definition: Peri-urban areas are transitional zones between urban and rural areas, characterised by a mix of population density, economic activity, travel patterns, and urban infrastructure.
- Environmental Impact: Rapid peri-urban expansion alters natural ecosystems, blocking drainage systems and disrupting water cycles, which can worsen urban climate vulnerabilities.
Peri-Cene Project and Climate Impacts:
- Project Overview: Led by Joe Ravetz at the University of Manchester, the Peri-cene Project provides the first global assessment of peri-urbanisation and its climate implications.
- Peri-Urban Growth: Peri-urban land now totals approximately 1.8 million sq km, growing at 3% annually, reflecting a significant environmental footprint within the Anthropocene epoch.
Urbanisation and Climate Challenges in India:
- Urban Population Growth: India’s urban population has grown six-fold since 1951 and is projected to reach 590 million by 2030, increasing peri-urban pressures.
- Climate Vulnerability: Cities, especially Delhi, face intense heat waves and flooding, stressing the need for resilient, inclusive urban development.
- SDG Goals 11 & 13: India prioritises the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on resilient cities and climate action, but urban and peri-urban planning remain siloed.
Governance Challenges in Peri-Urban Areas:
- Administrative Overlaps: Peri-urban zones often fall between urban local bodies (ULBs) and panchayatiraj institutions (PRIs), leading to fragmented governance.
- Case Study – Odisha: Cities like Cuttack and Bhubaneswar experience climate impacts due to poorly managed peri-urban expansions, affecting natural drainage and resilience.
Examples of Integrated Development Needs:
- Pattamundai Municipality, Odisha: Surrounded by rural panchayats, this town relies on peri-urban areas for resources, yet lacks integrated planning, which could cause future crises in waste management and natural drainage preservation.
- Tamil Nadu’s Rural-Urban Transition Policy: Recognises peri-urban panchayats, but further institutional support is needed to incorporate them into regional planning effectively.
Policy Recommendations:
- Strengthen PURL in Policies: Integrate peri-urban areas in national planning, possibly by updating the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments to recognise peri-urban panchayats.
- Regional Development Planning: Incorporate PURL concepts into disaster management, climate change adaptation, and urban expansion policies.
- Institutional Support: Financial and administrative backing for peri-urban zones would enhance their role in adaptive climate governance.
