Sustainable Urban Planning and Green Infrastructure: A Symbiotic Relationship

This research examines the views and understanding of professionals working in urban planning and environmental fields of the role that green infrastructure will play in the sustainable urban development of India. Surveys were administered to a total of 71 respondents, mostly from Delhi, Mumbai, Uttarakhand, and Bangalore. The findings found a strong support for the green infrastructure as a salient component of sustainable planning in urban areas, with lots of benefits such as cleaning the air and water sources, reducing the urban islands of heat, biodiversity growth, and human well-being. However, there remained a significant barrier to adoption, including high initial setup costs, maintenance challenges, and inadequate policy support. The survey also provided insights into strategies that might be necessary in overcoming some of these challenges, which include increased funding, public awareness campaigns, policy and regulatory support, and community engagement. Most of the respondents were optimistic about the integration of green infrastructure in the future of urban planning. The conclusion of the study emphasizes policy recommendations in terms of requiring strong policy support, institutional strengthening, and community engagement for the successful implementation of green infrastructure and creating more sustainable and resilient urban environments in India.