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Indian Cities Fail Our Children: A Call for Change
10 Nov
Summary
- Urban India neglects children's needs in planning and policy.
- Cities designed for adults lack safety, agency, and play spaces.
- Child-friendly design benefits everyone and upholds children's rights.
Children's needs are frequently overlooked in Indian urban planning and policy discussions. This neglect has led to significant health issues for urban youth, including weakened lung capacity due to pollution and increased childhood obesity from reduced outdoor activities. Safety concerns further limit children's freedom and independence within their own cities.
Inequalities are evident, with affluent children having access to facilities but lacking autonomy, while those from lower-income backgrounds face overcrowding and sanitation issues. Indian cities are predominantly designed for adult convenience, lacking essential features like safe streets, adequate pavements, accessible play areas, and public restrooms.
Designing cities with children's perspectives in mind, as advocated by experts like Timothy Gill, author of 'Urban Playground,' can create universally beneficial urban environments. This approach, integrating sustainable urbanism and public health, extends beyond play areas to influence streets, parks, and surrounding buildings.
Ensuring children's rights to play and a safe environment aligns with UN and Indian constitutional protections. A focus on the built environment, services, safety, mobility, and ambient conditions is essential for creating child-friendly cities that foster autonomy, agency, and overall livability.
