File photo NEW DELHI: Planning of cities and towns must be people-centric and responsive to citizens’ needs, housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal said Friday as Brics nations adopted an Urban Ministerial Declaration committing to inclusive development, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups.The declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the two-day Brics Urbanisation Forum, themed ‘Cities for People’, emphasised the need to create liveable cities that ensure equitable access to housing, infrastructure and urban services.Addressing a press conference, Lal said that urbanisation was a common challenge facing all Brics countries. While only about 35% of India’s population currently lives in urban areas, UN projections indicate the country’s urbanisation level could exceed 70% in the coming decades, making sustainable city planning a critical priority.“Planning should be such that it’s acceptable to people,” Lal said, in response to a question.The declaration also highlighted the need to strengthen local govts and institutions, promote climate-resilient urban development, and leverage digital technologies to improve governance, planning and citizen-centric services.Hosted by housing and urban affairs ministry under India’s Brcis chairship, the forum brought together ministers, senior officials and urban experts from member nations.Officials said the discussions reflected common challenges faced by Brics nations, including rapid urban growth, infrastructure gaps, fiscal constraints, climate risks and the need to make cities more liveable and equitable.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKolkata Government Building Fire Destroys 4,000 EVMs; Forensic Investigation UnderwayIndia On Border Alert As Jamaat’s Protest Call Raises Fresh Questions Over Bangladesh StabilityAbhishek Banerjee Replies to Kalyan Banerjee’s Remarks, Says He Will Not Speak Against HimSpaceX lists at $1.75 trillion — here’s what Indian investors need to know before buyingAIUDF To Challenge Assam UCC In Court, Says Law Is Not Truly UniformAI-171 Crash Probe Continues A Year Later; AAIB Says Final Report Yet To Be CompletedAIMIM Eyes Major Expansion In UP, Opens Door To Possible BSP Alliance | WatchIndira Gandhi Lost Her Party Twice — And Came Back Both Times. Can Mamata Banerjee?PM Modi To Showcase 120 Top Indian Startups In France; Global Investors Eye OpportunitiesIndia Flags Serious Concerns, Summons US Envoy Over Vessel Attack Incidents | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Scott to Arjun Rampal and Mehr Jesia: 7 famous celebrities who got divorced after 20+ years of marriageFrom headaches to mobile phones: Brain tumour myths doctors want you to stop believingFrom Sujni to Manjusha: 10 artworks of Bihar and places travellers should visit to find themPower rituals for Gen Z based on your birth dateBefore R Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali became the ‘Golden Chess Siblings’; their mother built the foundation: How Nagalakshmi nurtured two grandmastersScientists discovered this 7-minute trick that completely resets a stressed brainSpanish love proverb of the day: “Love is blind, but the neighbours are not”Harmanpreet Kaur, Indian women cricket team captain’s, home in Moga, Punjab is a reflection of her humble roots, family values and cricketing successThe bizarre defence mechanisms lizards use to stay aliveAnkita Lokhande and Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore lavish house: Grand entrance, a massive living room and more123Hot PicksSpaceX IPOKick StreamerJaspal RanaShakiraMP Board 12 Supplementary ResultISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPONora FatehiVirat KohliTop TrendingTMC rebel MPTravis KelceSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupSean SticklandBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result
NEW DELHI: Planning of cities and towns must be people-centric and responsive to citizens’ needs, housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal said Friday as Brics nations adopted an Urban Ministerial Declaration committing to inclusive development, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised groups.The declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the two-day Brics Urbanisation Forum, themed ‘Cities for People’, emphasised the need to create liveable cities that ensure equitable access to housing, infrastructure and urban services.Addressing a press conference, Lal said that urbanisation was a common challenge facing all Brics countries. While only about 35% of India’s population currently lives in urban areas, UN projections indicate the country’s urbanisation level could exceed 70% in the coming decades, making sustainable city planning a critical priority.“Planning should be such that it’s acceptable to people,” Lal said, in response to a question.The declaration also highlighted the need to strengthen local govts and institutions, promote climate-resilient urban development, and leverage digital technologies to improve governance, planning and citizen-centric services.Hosted by housing and urban affairs ministry under India’s Brcis chairship, the forum brought together ministers, senior officials and urban experts from member nations.Officials said the discussions reflected common challenges faced by Brics nations, including rapid urban growth, infrastructure gaps, fiscal constraints, climate risks and the need to make cities more liveable and equitable.
