NEW DELHI: D Thara, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, stated that urbanization needs to prioritize enhancing the quality of living rather than merely focusing on housing.
Thara emphasized the necessity to “reimagine urbanization” through a tailored approach, rather than just addressing housing supply. “We must shift our perspective on land and embrace a new paradigm,” she remarked.
As urbanization is anticipated to accelerate significantly—equaling the scale of the last century within twenty years—she underlined the importance of harmonizing urban growth with the protection of rural and agricultural land. “We need to systematically densify,” she added.
Thara also pointed out the government’s initiatives to develop policies that revitalize historical and business district cores, with the goal of modernizing urban infrastructure while honoring cultural heritage.
A white paper released by FICCI and L&T Technology Services during the conclave highlighted the urgent need for cyber resilience amid the increasing digitalization of essential urban services.
This document identifies a growing threat landscape targeting critical infrastructure—such as power grids, telecom networks, financial institutions, and healthcare systems—through AI-driven phishing, ransomware, and deepfake impersonations. It advocates for a federated threat intelligence framework that facilitates real-time data sharing across different infrastructure sectors, backed by AI-enabled detection and automated response systems.
The report presents the MahaCyber initiative in Maharashtra as a model, illustrating how a state-level cyber coordination center can function as a blueprint. MahaCyber combines efforts from law enforcement, CERTs, and private operators to provide real-time cyber monitoring, AI-driven risk assessments, and public-sector incident response workflows.
During the event, OP Agarwal, advisor to the FICCI Working Group on Urban Development, asserted that innovation in the urban sector is pivotal for India’s growth trajectory.
Vipul Roongta, MD & CEO of HDFC Capital Advisors, stressed the need for urban development and housing to evolve in tandem to ensure both affordability and livability.
