Prime Minister Modi’s initiative for the ‘Smart Cities’ and ‘Housing for All by 2022’ announces something which I feel was bound to happen. Indian aspirations of being a major global player didn’t have the physical infrastructure to support it. China went through something similar at least a decade back and opted for mass urbanisation, in some places perhaps it was forced to be faster than needed. Some say that India has been much slower than other countries to realise that this was required. Yes, but perhaps it also has an important silver lining. India has precious examples from the world over to learn from.As Indian government works forward on its 2.5 trillion US dollar promise to its people there is a real chance to improve the quality of life of Indians and yet not totally destroy the already fragile natural environment which is already showing the impact of the huge population pressures. Climate change and carbon commitments are another area that can be majorly impacted. As India invites the world to come and ‘Make in India’ it has to be careful to take a longer term perspective. The states are racing to invite foreign firms but which Industries go where and which ones are not allowed at all, are important questions. There is an immense opportunity to establish the green and circular economic systems that are required for a sustainable future.

As was Europe and America, and then China became the manufacturing hub of the world, India too will be one if things go as being planned. However it will only be truly an achievement if it can be done with a wisdom that discerns what is required and what is not in this race of urbanisation and Industrialisation.

Harsh Thapar