India has one of the largest urban systems, but its effectiveness is considered as far from
satisfactory due to paucity of funds and ineffective management. The major urban concern
is the growing gap between the demand and supply of basic infrastructure services like safe
drinking water, sanitation, sewerage, housing, energy, transport, communication, health
and education. Increased urbanisation is accompanied by severe environmental problems,
which adversely affect the quality of life of the people.
Areas that need considerations include urban governance issues with special focus on the
problems of the urban poor and slum dwellers, urban transport and housing.