Research Projects

Formulation of Urban Strategy in West Bengal

Project Info

  • Year of Completion : 2007
  • User Department : Change Management Unit, Kolkata Urban Services for Poor, Government of India West Bengal supported by DFID

Description

The main objective of the study is to analyse the current scenario and prepare a strategy for urban development for the state of West Bengal for 2031. The study attempted to draw a multi-sectoral strategy for the state assessing the different aspects of development across the state. These subject areas include demography, economics and industries, social development and urban poverty, physical infrastructure, environment, urban transport, power sector, institutional arrangements, physical planning and urban housing and municipal finances.

The first aspect of the study was an elaborate thesis of the current scenario in the state of West Bengal analyzing the existing form of service delivery, policy and regulations guiding them and documentation of gaps. After several focus groups discussions and public meetings, a vision for each sector was prepared to contribute to the overall urban future of the state. The vision document, that constitutes the second part of the study, enlisted targets in a 20 year time frame to achieve the set objectives in each sector. A list of priority urban areas was proposed for increased investments to accommodate the future growth and to ensure balanced urban growth in the state.