{"id":228522,"date":"2025-01-31T09:55:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T09:55:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/31\/economic-survey-offers-the-singapore-solution-for-indias-cities\/"},"modified":"2025-01-31T09:55:07","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T09:55:07","slug":"economic-survey-offers-the-singapore-solution-for-indias-cities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/31\/economic-survey-offers-the-singapore-solution-for-indias-cities\/","title":{"rendered":"Economic Survey offers the Singapore solution for India’s cities"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Economic<\/div>\n
The Economic Survey 2024-25<\/a>, tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has put vertical gardens<\/a> at the heart of India’s urban sustainability<\/a> efforts. These green facades\u2014also known as living walls or vertical greenery systems (VGS)\u2014are not just decorative additions but powerful tools for tackling the urban heat island effect, reducing air pollution, sequestering carbon, and boosting biodiversity, all while making cityscapes more visually appealing.The Survey points to Singapore as a shining example of how greenery can be seamlessly woven into the urban fabric. The city-state has long been a global leader in vertical greening, transforming dense urban spaces into thriving ecosystems.<\/p>\n

Among its standout achievements is the Changi Airport\u2019s Jewel, a breathtaking fusion of nature and architecture. Built in 2019, this world-class terminal houses a six-acre indoor rainforest surrounding the world\u2019s largest indoor waterfall\u2014a 130-foot-high vortex of rainwater cascading through a glass oculus. More than 2,000 trees and 100,000 species of plants and shrubs form a lush, multi-tiered ecosystem that not only dazzles visitors but also improves air quality, reduces noise pollution, and provides a stress-relieving escape from the chaos of travel.<\/p>\n

Then there’s the Gardens by the Bay, where the iconic Supertrees serve as more than just towering decorative structures, surrounded by massive gardens and ecological parks meant to breathe fresh air into the city’s infrastructure. These vertical marvels function as solar energy generators and rainwater collectors, reinforcing Singapore\u2019s commitment to sustainability.<\/p>\n

Why Vertical Gardens?<\/h2>\n

India\u2019s urban spaces are expanding at an unprecedented rate, bringing with them challenges of congestion, pollution, and rising temperatures. The Economic Survey highlights how integrating vertical gardens into Indian cities could be a game-changer, transforming dull facades into carbon-absorbing, air-purifying, and cooling ecosystems.

A great example already taking root in India is the Income Tax Department\u2019s initiative, which has used over seven lakh recycled plastic bottles to create vertical gardens across 17 states. This project demonstrates how waste can be repurposed to beautify urban landscapes while delivering environmental benefits.Beyond their visual appeal, vertical gardens act as natural air purifiers, absorbing pollutants and improving air quality in densely populated areas. They also provide insulation, helping buildings regulate temperature and cut down on energy consumption. The psychological benefits are undeniable too\u2014studies show that exposure to greenery reduces stress, boosts mental well-being, and enhances productivity.Also Read: <\/strong>Global trade spats could derail India’s 2070 net-zero goals: Economic Survey 2024<\/a><\/p>\n

The Policy Push: ECSBC 2024 and Smart Cities<\/h2>\n

The recently introduced Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) 2024 is a step towards more eco-conscious urban development. While the code already promotes energy efficiency<\/a>, the Economic Survey proposes incorporating specific guidelines for vertical gardens to maximise their impact.<\/p>\n

The Smart City Mission<\/a> further complements these efforts by fostering liveability, economic viability, and sustainability. The Urban River Management Plan (URMP) and the River Cities Alliance (RCA)\u2014a collaboration between the Ministry of Jal Shakti<\/a> and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)\u2014have been instrumental in developing over 145 cities with river-centric urban planning. Expanding these frameworks to include vertical gardens would ensure a more integrated and resilient approach to urban development.<\/p>\n

Also Read: Aerial angels: How drones can save your life<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Learning from the Singapore Model<\/h2>\n

India’s regulatory framework is evolving with the introduction of the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) 2024, which promotes sustainable building practices. However, there’s an opportunity to further enhance this code by including explicit guidelines for vertical gardens, aligning India with global best practices observed in Singapore, Japan, and the European Union. <\/p>\n

Integrating ecological considerations into building policies and approval processes would make vertical gardens a standard feature in urban landscapes, contributing to healthier and more sustainable urban environments.<\/p>\n

For India to replicate Singapore\u2019s success, integrating vertical gardens into urban planning policies is crucial. This includes:<\/p>\n