FOR BETTER PLANNING: (From right) Science and Technology Minister Basavaraj Horatti, Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor M.S. Thimmappa and economist P.R. Panchamukhi at the 27th Indian Geography Congress in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: Sam path Kumar G.P.

BANGALORE: An integrated rural and urban development programme along with development of small and medium towns can help arrest migration to urban areas, according to P.R. Panchamukhi, economist.

Dr. Panchamukhi, Professor Emeritus, Centre for Multi-disciplinary Development Research, Dharwad, was delivering the keynote address at the 27th Indian Geography Congress, organised by Bangalore University and the National Association of Geographers India, here on Friday.

Speaking on "Challenges of urbanisation in India: recent trends and future perspectives," Dr. Panchamukhi said the Integrated Rural Development Programme, by itself, may not help contain migration. As urbanisation has come to stay, concerted efforts have to be made to limit migration through balanced regional development, he said.

To cater to the needs of a burgeoning urban population, urban services should be brought under public-private partnership to provide quality services to the less privileged, Dr. Panchamukhi said. He suggested that local bodies be allowed to sell excess land vested with them to mobilise revenue.

Plea to governments

Dr. Panchamukhi asked Union and State governments to provide adequate resources to urban local bodies for fulfilling their responsibilities.

He said it is the duty of governments to provide funds to them as they are more efficient in delivering services than mobilising resources. People's participation in urban policy matters, which is lacking, should be promoted, he added.

Science and Technology Minister Basavaraj Horatti expressed concern over the impact of the growing urban population. Bangalore's population has crossed 86 lakhs, and over 200 families migrate to the city each day, and the burden on the infrastructure is worsening, he noted. P.S. Tiwar, president of the association, and Sudesh Nangia, president elect, were present.

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