Role of Urban Local Bodies in Improving Sustainable Urban Development: A Case Study of Patna Municipal Corporation Area

Abstract Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are the cornerstone of decentralized urban governance in India and play a significant role in achieving sustainable urban development. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) empowered municipalities with greater responsibilities for urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and public service delivery. Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), the largest Urban Local Body in Bihar, faces growing challenges stemming from rapid urbanization, population growth, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and climate-related vulnerabilities. This study examines PMC's contribution to sustainable urban development by analyzing its governance structure, implementation of government schemes, environmental management practices, infrastructure development, and citizen participation. The research draws on secondary data from government reports, policy documents, journal articles, census publications, and municipal records. The study finds that while PMC has made considerable progress through initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, challenges including financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, traffic congestion, flooding, and institutional limitations continue to hinder sustainable urban development. The paper recommends strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing public participation, improving financial autonomy, adopting climate-resilient infrastructure, and integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into urban planning for sustainable urban governance. Keywords: Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Sustainable Urban Development, Patna Municipal Corporation, Urban Governance, Smart City, Urban Infrastructure, Environmental Sustainability.