Haryana to set up centre of excellence for planned urban development

With urban areas across Haryana bursting at seams, the Nayab Singh Saini government has decided to set up a centre for urban excellence (CUE) for a regulated urban development.

The Department of Town and Country Planning has invited expression of interest (EOI) for the formulation of the request for proposal (RFP) document for the setting up of the CUE till January 31. The selected applicant will prepare RPF document and provide consultancy to the department in the management and selection of knowledge institution for the establishment of CUE, a concept note from the director of the department stated.

Currently, the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) is the nodal agency for the planned development in Haryana. “Recognising that the policies and practices will need to build on new, cutting-edge knowledge, capacities and implementation models, the department intends to partner with an established institution with a proven track record to set up a CUE, preferably in Panchkula,” the concept note asserted.

“The CUE is envisaged to be set up as an autonomous, inter-disciplinary and globally-renowned entity, serving as the cognizant collaborator for the state acting as a knowledge partner, fostering innovation and facilitating extensive stakeholder discourse,” the concept note added.

Growing needs

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The urbanisation level of Haryana is 35%, higher than the national average of 31%. The decadal growth rate of the urban population in the state is 44.25 per cent as compared to 32% at the national level, thus calling for regulated development of urban areas

Gurugram and Faridabad are expected to touch a population of four and three millions, respectively, by 2041. The CUE will serve a policy and practice advocacy body to target enhancement of the livability index in the urban areas to one of the best internationally

Going into the rationale behind the setting up of the centre, an official informed that Haryana had been witnessing a significant growth in the urban population.”the urbanisation level of Haryana as per the 2011 census is 35 per cent, which is higher than the national average of 31 per cent. The decadal growth rate of the urban population in Haryana is 44.25 per cent as compared to 32 per cent at the national level,” he asserted.

“The primary intent behind the establishment of CUE is to serve s a policy and practice advocacy body for the state to target enhancement of the livability index in the urban areas of Haryana to one of the best internationally in a decade,” the communication said.

The mission, the communication, said was to demonstrate and bolster the existing capacity of the state agencies to undertake systematic innovation in urban development and governance through adoption of highest standards of environmental sustenance, technology, resource conservation and people-first approach.

Besides, the CUE is envisaged to focus on shaping and institutionalizing policies and practices that will steer the overall growth and development path of country and Haryana through a balanced of research, strategic advisory, technical and implementation support services and training and capacity building activities.

Metro cities like Gurugram and Faridabad were expected to touch a population of four and three millions, respectively, by 2041. These Metro cities require ‘best of innovations’ to sustain such high levels of urbanization and as the same time keep them liveable.