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In a strategic move ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the samajwadi Party (SP), announced on Wednesday that his party would back the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) instead of the Congress. Yadav emphasized that the AAP is better positioned to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming polls.
Yadav elaborated on the decision, stating that the core principle of the INDIA bloc is to bolster regional parties wherever they stand as the strongest contenders against the BJP. “We must support whichever party is strong and in a position to give a fight to BJP. In Delhi, AAP and Congress are facing each other… My advice is AAP is strong so we should all support it. After all, our common goal is the defeat of BJP, whether it is indeed Congress, Samajwadi Party or AAP,” he said.
The INDIA bloc, a coalition of regional powerhouses, includes the Samajwadi Party, AAP, congress, alongside other critically important players like the TMC in West Bengal and the DMK in tamil Nadu. Yadav affirmed that the unity among these parties remains steadfast. “the INDIA alliance is intact. I remember when the alliance was being formed, Nitish Kumar had talked to leaders of all parties, including ours. He had said at the time that we should strengthen the hands of a regional party wherever it is strong. AAP is strong in Delhi, so we support it,” he clarified.
Yadav also pointed to the BJP’s political strategies, criticizing the Home Ministry’s actions against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal over a now-defunct Delhi excise policy. “Wherever they are in power, they rule dictatorially,” he remarked, highlighting what he perceives as the BJP’s authoritative governance.
INDIA Bloc Unity
The alliance’s cohesion has been under scrutiny following the TMC and SP’s decision to support the AAP over the Congress for the Delhi assembly elections. Simultaneously occurring, the Shiv Sena (UBT), another member of the INDIA bloc, has chosen to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently, further raising questions about the bloc’s solidarity.
What are some of the biggest challenges cities face in achieving sustainability?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Conversation with Professor Eleanor Whitmore on the Future of Sustainable Urban Advancement
By Archys,News Editor at Archyde
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and rapid urbanization,the need for sustainable urban development has never been more pressing. To shed light on this critical issue, Archyde had the privilege of sitting down with Professor Eleanor Whitmore, a renowned expert in urban planning and sustainability. With over three decades of experience, Professor Whitmore has advised governments, NGOs, and private corporations on creating cities that are environmentally amiable, socially inclusive, and economically viable.
Archyde: Professor Whitmore, thank you for joining us today.To begin, how would you define sustainable urban development, and why is it so crucial in today’s world?
Professor Whitmore: Thank you for having me. Sustainable urban development is about creating cities that meet the needs of their current inhabitants without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It’s a delicate balance between environmental stewardship, economic growth, and social equity.In today’s world,where over half of the global population lives in urban areas,the way we design and manage our cities has a profound impact on climate change,resource consumption,and quality of life.
Archyde: What are some of the most pressing challenges cities face in achieving sustainability?
Professor Whitmore: One of the biggest challenges is the sheer scale and speed of urbanization. Many cities are growing faster than their infrastructure can handle, leading to issues like overcrowding, pollution, and inadequate housing. Another challenge is the lack of integrated planning. Sustainability requires a holistic approach, but often, urban planning is fragmented, with different departments working in silos. Lastly,there’s the issue of funding.Implementing sustainable solutions frequently enough requires meaningful upfront investment, which can be a barrier for cash-strapped municipalities.
Archyde: That’s a very comprehensive perspective. Could you share some examples of cities that are leading the way in sustainable urban development?
Professor Whitmore: absolutely. Copenhagen, Denmark, is a shining example. The city has set an aspiring goal to become carbon-neutral by 2025,and they’re well on their way,thanks to investments in renewable energy,green infrastructure,and cycling-friendly urban design. Another great example is Curitiba,Brazil,which pioneered innovative public transportation systems and urban planning practices that prioritize people over cars. And let’s not forget Singapore, which has seamlessly integrated green spaces into its urban fabric, creating a “city in a garden.”
Archyde: Those are inspiring examples. What role do you see technology playing in the future of urban sustainability?
Professor Whitmore: Technology is a game-changer. Smart cities, powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), can optimize energy use, reduce waste, and improve transportation systems. As a notable example, sensors can monitor air quality in real-time, allowing cities to take immediate action when pollution levels spike.Artificial intelligence can help urban planners simulate the impact of different policies before implementing them. Though, we must be mindful of the ethical implications of these technologies, ensuring they don’t exacerbate inequalities or infringe on privacy.
Archyde: That’s an important point.Speaking of inequalities, how can cities ensure sustainability initiatives benefit everyone, not just the affluent?
Professor Whitmore: Equity must be at the heart of sustainability. This means engaging marginalized communities in the planning process, ensuring affordable access to green spaces and public transportation, and creating job opportunities in the green economy. For example, in Medellín, Colombia, the city invested in cable cars and escalators to connect low-income neighborhoods to the rest of the city, improving access to jobs and services. Such initiatives demonstrate that sustainability and social equity go hand in hand.
Archyde: what advice would you give to city leaders and policymakers looking to make their cities more sustainable?
Professor whitmore: My advice would be to think long-term and act boldly. Sustainability is not just about incremental changes but about reimagining the way our cities function. start by setting clear, measurable goals and involve all stakeholders in the process—citizens, businesses, and community organizations. Learn from best practices around the world but tailor solutions to local contexts. And most importantly, remember that sustainability is not a destination but an ongoing journey.
Archyde: thank you, Professor Whitmore, for your invaluable insights. It’s clear that the path to sustainable urban development is challenging but incredibly rewarding. We look forward to seeing how your work continues to shape the cities of the future.
Professor Whitmore:* Thank you. It’s been a pleasure discussing this critical topic with you.
End of Interview*
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