Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu said that the country’s urban population is estimated to exceed 87 crore 60 lakhs by 2050. The Minister said while addressing the National Urban Conclave 2025 in New Delhi.
Highlighting its positives, Mr Sahu said that by 2030, cities and urban areas will contribute more than 70 percent to the country’s GDP, becoming the driver of economic growth. He disclosed that a 1000 crore rupees fund called the Green and Himalayan City Focused Fund is being created to support northeastern and Himalayan regions in clean and resilient urban development.
He added that through schemes like PM Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 and innovative financing, the government is working to build inclusive neighbourhoods and self-sustainable cities.
Talking about the major challenges arising from rapid urbanization, the Minister mentioned that the Swachh Bharat Mission can manage the issues related to waste management. He outlined that waste processing capacity has increased from 18 percent in 2014 to 80 percent in 2024 under the mission.
