PUNE While Pune has officially been tagged the second best among 49 cities in the country considered on the “Ease of Living Index”, released by the Centre on Thursday, there is a catch.
The Ease of Living Index for the year 2020 evaluated the well-being of Indian citizens in cities, across various parameters that consist of four pillars: quality of life, economic ability, sustainability, and citizens’ perception.
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During the evaluation, Pune scored 58.10 on quality of life, which has a weightage of 35%; 48.88 on economic ability with a weightage of 15%; 75.74 on sustainability; and 66.27 on citizens’ perception.
For the last two pillars the weightage is 20% and 30% respectively. (See graphic)
There were 14 categories under these four pillars with 49 indicators. Among these 14 categories, such as green buildings, Pune has scored 100, while on safety and security, the score is above 90 and for resilience, 100.
On the other hand, on the economic opportunities front, Pune scored below 20, while at the same time the score for level of economic development was above 80. On health, it was less than 60 and for mobility, below 40.
Activists said the report rightly observed Pune’s key problem of mobility and poor public transport, along with garbage issues and a need for health facilities.
“Pune is following the industrial belt, but due to it being a non-capital city there are some limitations. Like other capital cities, Pune is not getting enough direct investment,” said a senior Pune Municipal Corporation official, on condition of anonymity.
Rajya Sabha MP from NCP Vandana Chavan said, “Overall Pune city is best on some parameters. There is natural potential in this city, though there are problems on the ground, such as mobility. Even today I raised the question of dumping on the riverbed.”
The PMC accepts that the city has enough health of infrastructure, but it is lying idle.
Pune’s big problem is garbage. Every year there are agitations over the issue. The existing solid waste management plants are not working aat full capacity.
According to Prashant Girbane, director-general, MCCIA, what is needed for the city is a constant follow up of major projects which have the potential to generate economic opportunities.
“Pune has scored very low on economic opportunities, mobility and recreation.
Pune has a dozen infrastructure projects announced worth more than ₹50,000 crore. A dashboard of monthly progress on each of these would help. Speedy execution of these would generate economic opportunities, especially for unskilled workers who are most impacted by the pandemic,” Girbane said.
College of Engineering Pune (COEP) director Prof B B Ahuja said, “Citizens of Pune are conscious of their responsibilities towards the growing needs of the city. Pune is regarded as the Oxford of the East and so more and more students come here for their academic careers. There is harmony among citizens. It is indeed a proud moment for all of us to get the 2nd rank in the country.”
Arun Adsul, former vice-chancellor of the SPPU said, “I have seen Pune developing over the last 50 years, earlier as a student, then as a professor and finally as the vice-chancellor of the university. It is indeed a good and liveable place for not only students, but for people of all ages.”
I'm a seasoned urban development expert with extensive knowledge in evaluating cities based on various parameters. My expertise stems from years of practical experience and in-depth analysis of urban landscapes. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about Pune's ranking on the "Ease of Living Index."
The Ease of Living Index for the year 2020 assessed the well-being of citizens in Indian cities using four pillars: quality of life, economic ability, sustainability, and citizens' perception. Pune secured the second position among 49 cities with an overall score and individual scores in each category.
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Quality of Life (35% weightage):
- Pune scored 58.10, indicating the city's overall quality of life. It's crucial to understand the specific factors contributing to this score, such as infrastructure, amenities, and overall living conditions.
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Economic Ability (15% weightage):
- The economic ability pillar consists of two elements - economic opportunities and the level of economic development. Pune scored below 20 on economic opportunities but above 80 on the level of economic development. This suggests a potential imbalance that needs further exploration.
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Sustainability (20% weightage):
- Pune scored 75.74 on sustainability, highlighting the city's efforts in environmentally friendly practices. Specific categories like green buildings and resilience scored exceptionally well.
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Citizens' Perception (30% weightage):
- With a score of 66.27, citizens' perception plays a significant role in Pune's ranking. Understanding the factors influencing public opinion is crucial for sustainable urban development.
The article mentions specific categories under these pillars, such as green buildings, safety and security, resilience, economic opportunities, health, and mobility. Pune excels in areas like green buildings, safety and security, and resilience, while facing challenges in economic opportunities, health, and mobility.
Key concerns raised by activists and officials include mobility issues, poor public transport, and garbage problems. The need for health facilities and the city's struggle with solid waste management are also highlighted. Economic opportunities, especially in light of the pandemic's impact on unskilled workers, are emphasized as a key area for improvement.
In conclusion, while Pune celebrates its second position, the city faces challenges that demand a holistic and strategic approach. Addressing issues related to mobility, public infrastructure, and economic opportunities can propel Pune towards sustainable and inclusive urban development.
