Govt should focus more on Smart Cities and AMRUT to enhance urban ecological resilience: SBI Report

ANI May 15, 2025 227 views

The SBI report emphasizes the need for India to prioritize Smart Cities and AMRUT to enhance urban ecological resilience. It highlights how urbanisation, when managed sustainably, can eventually improve forest cover and land-use planning. The study calls for greater investments in renewable energy and green bonds to support climate-resilient cities. Stronger environmental policies and public awareness are key to ensuring long-term sustainability alongside urban growth.

"India must accelerate urbanization while embedding sustainability at its core" – SBI Report
New Delhi, May 15: The Indian government should increase its focus on programmes like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT to promote green infrastructure and improve urban ecological resilience, according to a research report by the State Bank of India (SBI).

Key Points

1

Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT vital for green urban growth

2

Report cites U-shaped urbanisation-forest cover recovery trend

3

Green bonds and stricter regulations needed for sustainability

4

Renewable energy investments crucial for climate-resilient cities

These initiatives, the report said, are essential to managing urban growth while protecting the environment.

SBI said "more and more programmes like Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT are essential to integrate green infrastructure and enhance urban ecological resilience".

The report stated that these government programmes are helping integrate environmental sustainability with urban development, supporting what it called a "U-shaped hypothesis."

According to this idea, early stages of urbanisation often lead to a loss in forest cover, but as urbanisation progresses, stronger environmental policies are put in place, leading to a recovery in greenery and better land-use planning. Once the urbanisation rate crosses 40 per cent, the effect on forest cover actually turns positive, the report said.

These changes help build better institutional capacity that balances urban expansion with environmental conservation.

The report stressed that to ensure long-term social and economic stability, India must continue its push for urbanisation while embedding sustainability in the process.

It said "India must therefore accelerate urbanization while embedding sustainability at its core".

The report also pointed out the need to support India's green energy transition. This includes investments in green hydrogen, biofuels, solar parks, wind farms, renewable infrastructure, and biogas plants.

These developments will attract private investments, help create climate-resilient cities, and position India as a leader in low-carbon development.In addition, the report highlighted the potential of green bonds in financing sustainable projects. However, it added that these should be supported by stronger environmental regulations, stricter anti-deforestation laws, and more public awareness to be truly effective.

In conclusion, the report recommends that urban growth must go hand-in-hand with sustainability to ensure a greener, more resilient future for Indian cities.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some sensible recommendations! Our cities are choking with pollution and unplanned growth. Smart Cities Mission needs more funding and faster implementation. Bengaluru's lakes are dying while concrete jungles grow. We need green infrastructure urgently! 🌳
P
Priya M.
Good report but implementation is key. In my city, the Smart City project only beautified the city center while outskirts remain neglected. AMRUT should ensure equal development across all areas, not just posh colonies. Water supply and sewage systems need priority.
A
Amit S.
The U-shaped hypothesis makes sense. We destroyed green cover during initial growth, now time to correct it. But will state governments cooperate? Many prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. Centre should make green norms mandatory for all urban projects.
S
Sunita R.
Green bonds are interesting but first we need transparency in existing projects. Where is the money being spent? Citizens should get quarterly reports on Smart City works. More public participation will ensure funds aren't wasted. Jan Bhagidari is essential for success!
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Vikram J.
While I appreciate the focus on sustainability, what about affordable housing? In Mumbai, builders use 'green' tag to justify sky-high prices. Smart cities should be for all income groups. Otherwise it's just elite urbanization. 🏙️
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Neha T.
Good to see SBI highlighting this. Our public sector banks should lead by example - why not make all new bank branches green buildings? Small steps matter too. Also, urban resilience isn't just about trees, but proper drainage to prevent flooding during monsoons!

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Tags:
Smart Cities Mission AMRUT urban resilience SBI report green infrastructure sustainable development