My thoughts on how to adapt to Rapid Urbanization and the increased stress on water, energy and waste

It is an undeniable truth that the population of the world has crossed seven billion. Every day, many thousands are getting added to it. If, as world bank assessed, 67% of population are going to reside in cities by 2050, cities must really become ‘smart’ and look for ways to tackle rapid urbanization and an increased stress on water, energy and waste. It is high time that everybody puts head together and come up with amicable and long term solutions.

With my head on my pillow, I gave thoughts consecutively for so many nights. Of course what I thought was very ordinary. However, I like to put it below for others to add on it or think and close it:

1.       More Skyscrapers and Underground Houses

With the increase in population, we feel that the size of the land is shrinking. There is no possibility of reclaiming or extending its size. However, to accommodate increasing number of population, some solutions have to be found out. I see one possible solution as having more skyscrapers and underground houses. We do have skyscrapers in cities but not much. We see it clustered in few pockets of cities. I see wisdom in spreading skyscrapers and underground houses across the length and breadth of cities. It can definitely ease accommodation crunch.

2.       Limit Small Personal Vehicles

Vehicles occupy large spaces in cities and towns. One reason for congestion in cities is the presence of large number of vehicles. Vehicles and its emission into the air is the greatest enemy to environment. It pollutes air, affects plants and animals, and renders most useful thing waste. To keep the movement of people alive and going, linking train facilities, public bus services, air and sea services are seen to be the best alternatives to numerous small personal vehicles.   

3.       Introduce system that people can work at home

If feasible, I see it good to make people work at home and submit the progress or report of their works after certain days or a month as specified and agreed between government or cooperatives and employees. Currently, we have residential places for people to reside along with offices for people to work.  Both occupy huge chunk of land.

4.       Establish Offices and Industries in the outskirts of the cities

It is industries that is polluting water, air and making everything scarce inside cities. If it is relocated to the outskirts of the cities, at least resources within the cities can be protected. If offices are set up outside cities, office goers can work outside cities which may drastically ease congestion problems in cities.

5.       Introduce mobile shops

To introduce, we must convince both shopkeepers and customers. Shopkeepers have to be convinced to keep shops closed for three days a week initially. Encourage customers to call shopkeepers so that shopkeepers can deliver the goods customers want at his doorsteps.

For luxury and comfort items, question of choice may come. But for necessities, small household items, I do not see the reason why it should not work.

Congestions, wastes and questions of scarcity arise because of the frequent movement of people from one place to another.

6.       Sharing of resources on equal proportion

Limit occupation of excessive land by an individual. Educate inmates on values like accommodating, leaving doors open for neighbors to share resources, trusting one another, welcoming, having less desire. Instill in inmates the value of cultural tolerance.

7.       Expansion of urbanization

Sunset follows sunrise is same like saying the opposite. Time has come for us to say ‘urban-rural migration’ not just ‘rural-urban migration’. In other words, we can think of expanding the territory of urban areas. Establish government enterprises and businesses in rural areas and make everything available to people at a cheaper rate. Provide all necessities like schools, hospitals etc. Set up industries in villages. Relocate some industries from urban to rural areas which may help urban area get rid of resource constraints, wastes and congestion. Open windows for job opportunities.