Latest news with #urbanisation
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Monsoon mayhem: Why lashing rains wreak havoc annually in India's cities
"Who is responsible for this mess?"The question recently echoed across India's financial capital Mumbai as thousands of residents once again found themselves stranded, soaked and rains brought the city to a standstill, and this was before the monsoon had even begun in full swing. Roads turned into rivers, vehicles broke down mid-commute and low-lying neighbourhoods were waterlogged within hours. Even a newly-built underground metro station could not withstand the heavy downpour as photos and videos of the station flooded with muddy water went viral. The pre-monsoon deluge once again exposed the city's fragile infrastructure and sparked widespread outrage on social Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), one of India's richest civic organisations responsible for maintaining Mumbai's infrastructure, initially blamed the problem on rubbish clogging the drains and debris from metro construction, The Hindustan Times newspaper criticism, the BMC installed de-watering pumps in flood-prone areas and began manually clearing waste from drains to prevent further waterlogging. But for many residents, the action came too crisis is neither new - nor is it unique to Delhi in the north to Bengaluru in the south, India's biggest cities flood every monsoon season. Roads collapse, drains overflow, infrastructure is overwhelmed and traffic grinds to a blame rapid unplanned urbanisation, poor infrastructure and years of environmental neglect as the root causes of this problem. "The pace of urban expansion has far exceeded the evolution of supporting infrastructure, particularly in water and drainage systems," says Dikshu Kukreja, an architect and urban planner based in Delhi."Many cities rely on outdated systems designed decades ago. And in the process of unchecked expansion, natural drainage channels, wetlands and water bodies that once absorbed excess rainwater have been built over or neglected," he say there's no one-size-fits-all solution as each city faces unique challenges and factors such as geography, population and climate must be considered when designing effective receives 80% of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season, which usually starts from June and continues until monsoon is crucial for agriculture and the livelihoods of millions of Indian farmers. They rely on seasonal showers in parts of the country where proper irrigation channels are experts say climate change has made erratic weather - such as unseasonal rains, flash floods and droughts linked to extreme heat - a more regular phenomenon, directly affecting millions of year the monsoon arrived a week early in parts of southern India, catching authorities unprepared. "A depression developed over the eastern central Arabian Sea which was instrumental in pulling up the monsoon current," says Mahesh Palawat, vice-president of meteorology and climate change at weather forecasting company Skymet. In Delhi, the Minto bridge has become a symbol of the city's annual monsoon chaos. Almost every year, after heavy rain, a bus or lorry gets stuck under the bridge - an image that highlights the city's struggle with urban year, Delhi recorded its wettest May since 1901, with more than 185mm of rainfall, according to the Indian weather department. Many residents reported damage to their property. At least four people were killed and dozens more were injured in one of the two heavy storms that hit the city in May, according to media in Bengaluru, more than 2,000kms (1,240 miles) from the capital, the problem looks different but its root cause is the same. Once known for its network of lakes that helped manage excess rainwater, Bengaluru has seen many of these water bodies encroached upon. In their place now stand apartment complexes, business hubs and roads - leaving the city vulnerable to flooding. "Bengaluru is made up of three major valleys through which water naturally flows. Most of the city's lakes are located in these valleys," explains Ram Prasad, a lake conservation valleys were originally designated as no-construction zones but over the years, encroachment has taken place and later changes in the law permitted infrastructure projects to be built in the area, he says. "When you convert lakes - which traditionally act as flood buffers - into built-up areas, the water has nowhere to go. So, what we're seeing in Bengaluru today is the result of poor urban planning." Mr Prasad points out that Bengaluru, which sits atop a hill, was never meant to flood and the current situation is entirely of building norms, especially construction that narrows stormwater drains or builds directly over them, have only made things worse, he Mumbai faces natural challenges due to its geography. For example, many parts of Mumbai are low-lying and close to the sea, which makes them more vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains and high experts say it's human actions that have made things much worse: cutting down mangroves, which normally act like natural barriers against floods, and building on floodplains where water is supposed to drain."The breakdown is systemic - it begins with planning that often doesn't account for future climate variabilities, gets exacerbated by poor execution and is compounded by weak enforcement of regulations," Mr Kukerja says. "Political will is often reactive - responding to disasters rather than investing in long-term resilience."This isn't just a big city problem. Smaller towns often suffer equally, if not more. Over the weekend, at least 30 people died in India's northeastern states after heavy rains triggered flooding and landslides. Tens of thousands have been affected, with rescue efforts under way. So, can anything be done to prevent this?"Yes," says Mr Kukreja, but only if it is part of a long-term, co-ordinated suggests using mapping and real-time sensors to identify high-risk zones and alert communities. Predictive models can also help authorities plan better responses."But technology alone is not a fix, it needs to be paired with responsive governance and community involvement," he India's cities to withstand the rains, they need more than just de-watering pumps and quick fixes. They need forward-thinking planning, before the damage is BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia makes history as first Asean nation to lead UN-Habitat Assembly
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 — Malaysia created history by being officially elected as the president of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) for the 2025 to 2029 term. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, in a Facebook post last night, said that Malaysia received unanimous support from all 193 member states in the election. 'The official announcement was made during the Bureau Officers Election session at the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, today,' he said. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the UN-Habitat Assembly was established in 1975 and elevated to a full programme at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2001. It is the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanisation and human settlements, convening every four years and playing a crucial role in shaping global policies for cities and communities. As president, Malaysia will work closely with the UN-Habitat Executive Board and global partners to strengthen multilateral cooperation, promoting inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable cities worldwide. Meanwhile, in his speech at the assembly, Nga urged member states to redouble efforts to implement the New Urban Agenda. He said this is to ensure the strengthening of multilateralism and the Habitat Agenda. 'We hope that you will continue to support the call for a High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda especially as 2026 marks ten years after its adoption at Habitat III in Quito. He also emphasised the need to cooperate in line with the principle of People-Public-Private-Partnership (4Ps). 'We are stronger together when we continue sharing knowledge, foster partnerships, and ensure that no one and no place is left behind in our urbanising world. 'During my term as President of the Assembly, let us strengthen UN-Habitat as a platform for thinking and doing. Let us ensure that the voices of local governments, women, youth, civil society, and vulnerable communities are taken into consideration when we develop policies and design action plans,' he said. Nga said a Joint Bureau meeting will be held in Penang, Malaysia on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Conference of Ministers of Housing & Urban Development this October. 'This will provide an opportunity for joint bureaus to assess the impact of the Assembly and align their support with the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan 2026–2029,' he said. Apart from that, he added that Malaysia will also play an active role at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan in May next year. — Bernama
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
From ‘nasi lemak and durians' to global urban renewal: Malaysia to lead UN-Habitat with 193-nation backing
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Malaysia is set to take a leading role in shaping the future of global cities as it prepares to assume the presidency of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) next year. Malaysia will hold the presidency from 2025 to 2027, following unanimous support from 193 United Nations member states. 'This is the first time Malaysia has been elected to head the Executive Board of UN-Habitat,' Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming told Mingguan Malaysia in an interview published today. 'It's not easy to get support from 193 countries, but we did it,' he added. UN-Habitat is the UN's leading agency on urban development, sustainability and housing. As president, Malaysia will have the rare opportunity to set the agenda for global urbanisation policy and sustainable city living. 'Malaysia is not only known for nasi lemak and durians. 'We are now also recognised for good governance, transparency, and our commitment to urban transformation,' Nga was quoted as saying. He said the appointment was a direct result of the country's improved international image under the current government. He believes this global platform will benefit Malaysians by attracting foreign investors, technology transfers, and support for smart, sustainable development across the country. Nga noted that many Malaysian initiatives – such as green cities, circular economy policies and low-carbon development – have drawn praise internationally. 'We have proven that even as a developing country, we can lead by example in creating sustainable, inclusive cities.' The minister hopes Malaysia's leadership will inspire public confidence and counter local cynicism about the government's development agenda. 'It's time we stop doubting ourselves. The world believes in Malaysia – so should we,' Nga was quoted as saying. He also used the platform to promote unity and humility in service. 'We must be humble to learn. My slogan is: the Malay child is our child, the Chinese child is our child, the Indian child is our child – and the same for Sabah and Sarawak.'
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
GCC retail sector set to hit $390b by 2028, fuelled by digital innovation
The GCC retail industry is on track to reach $390 billion by 2028, propelled by digital transformation, evolving consumer preferences, and strategic government initiatives. Once anchored in traditional brick-and-mortar models, the sector is now a dynamic driver of economic diversification, technological advancement, and consumer-centric growth, positioning the GCC as a global retail innovator, according to a recent report by Logic Consulting. The retail landscape in the GCC is undergoing a profound shift, with 87 per cent of consumers embracing a 'phygital' blend of online and offline purchasing channels, says the report titled 'Revolutionising Retail: Unveiling GCC's Five-Year Transformation'. Shoppers, increasingly digitally fluent and time-sensitive, demand seamless, personalised experiences. This evolution is reshaping retail into a cornerstone of national development, spurring investment in logistics, real estate, and tourism. 'Retail is no longer just transactional; it's a catalyst for economic ecosystems,' noted Haitham Rabie, a lead analyst at Logic Consulting. The GCC's retail market is divided into food and non-food segments, each exhibiting robust growth. Food retail, valued at $127.2 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $162 billion by 2028, driven by urbanisation and changing dietary habits. Non-food retail, encompassing luxury goods, electronics, and fashion, is growing faster with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2 per cent, expected to hit $243.6 billion by 2028. Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominate, accounting for over 75 per cent of regional retail sales, a share set to expand further. Digital innovation is at the heart of this transformation. The rise of quick commerce — ultra-fast delivery within 30 minutes — is redefining consumer access to essentials. Digital-first platforms like Noon and are challenging traditional giants such as Carrefour and Lulu, which are integrating artificial intelligence (AI), live inventory tracking, and omnichannel logistics to stay competitive. AI-driven personalisation and predictive analytics are enhancing e-commerce, creating tailored shopping journeys that resonate with tech-savvy consumers. Physical retail is also evolving. The GCC is expected to add nearly four million square metres of retail space by 2028, but the focus is shifting beyond scale to experiential shopping. Augmented reality try-ons, interactive store designs, and micro-fulfillment centers are becoming standard, blending physical and digital realms. 'Retailers aren't just selling products; they're curating immersive journeys,' Rabie emphasised. A notable trend is the rise of value-driven and sustainable retail. While luxury remains a stronghold, private labels and budget-friendly chains are gaining traction among the growing middle class and price-conscious shoppers. Concurrently, over 50 per cent of GCC consumers now prioritise eco-friendly brands, pushing retailers to adopt sustainable practices. For instance, UAE-based retailer Majid Al Futtaim reported in 2024 that 60 per cent of its customers favored brands with clear environmental commitments, reflecting a regional shift toward purpose-driven consumption. To thrive, retailers must adapt strategically. Logic Consulting outlines five imperatives: crafting a unique selling proposition in a crowded digital market, embracing lean operations and data-driven supply chains, preparing for market consolidation, forging innovative partnerships, and tailoring offerings to local dynamics. These strategies are critical as the GCC retail sector navigates intense competition and rapid technological change. The GCC's retail boom is bolstered by government initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Projects of the 50, which promote private investment and economic diversification. With a young, affluent, and tech-savvy population — over 60 per cent of the GCC's 56 million residents are under 30 — the region is emerging as a global retail hub. 'The GCC isn't just following global trends; it's shaping them,' Rabie said. As the sector reinvents itself, its trajectory will define the region's post-oil economic future, setting a benchmark for innovation and growth.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Algeria launches project to build 200,000 houses
Algeria has launched the third stage of an ambitious housing programme for citizens involving the construction of 200,000 units in the capital and other cities. The Housing Ministry said at the weekend it has signed an agreement with the National Housing Bank and other establishments to fund the project. AADL 3 is part of the AADL housing programme approved by the cabinet last year to build in excess of two million houses for citizens. The Algeria press agency said six national banks would provide funding of up to 62 per cent to citizens wishing to buy houses. 'Citizens should provide the remaining 38 percent in five instalments..,this plans is intended to ensure housing for citizens at affordable prices and contribute to tackling the housing crisis in urban areas,' the agency said. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
