Urban Development Ministry

Urban Development

UD Ministry

UD

Every Indian living in cities should get at least 10 sq metre of open green space to himself. This is one of the 77 parameters that the Centre will use to rate urban sprawls in the country on liveability.Thehas come up with a City Liveability Index based on areas such health, sanitation, open space, affordable housing, energy usage. The matrix will be presented on February 28 to the states during the National workshop onin Delhi before launching it.“The idea is not merely to hold a mirror to the cities but also to spur them to do improve through creating ahealthy competition between the cities,” a seniorofficial said.The states will be given time to work on their cities based on the matrix presented to them before starting the rating process sometime end of this year.As per the ministry guidelines, every person should get at least 10 sq metre of green space. And indoor/outdoor recreational facilities should be available to individuals within 800 metres from their residence. “In any city our first impression is usually made by its green spaces so we rank it high in our liveability index,” a seniorministry official said.A city will be marked on complete slum redevelopment. At least 15 percent of city's population should have access to affordable housing. While a city will be rated on unhindered power supply, the liveability index will also rate it for its energy efficiency measures.For public transport too some stringent criteria are in place. At least 50 per cent of roads should have cycle tracks, at least 75 per cent of intersection should be covered by traffic surveillance system. More importantly, 75 per cent area of acity should have footpaths.