U.S. Supports Mega City Meet

September 22, 2006

KOLKATA – Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad gathered in Kolkata on September 22, 2006 to discuss a “Mega Cities Forum.”

The “Mega Cities” gathering was supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International City and County Manager’s Association in collaboration with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The Forum will provide a platform for member cities to engage in a dialogue on local governance and national policies affecting their cities. The mega cities face common challenges such as providing services in the face of rapid urbanization and institutional fragmentation.

Committing their full support to the Mega City Forum, the delegates discussed issues related to its establishment and proposed activities. This is the second time leaders from India’s largest cities are meeting and focusing on formation, operations, institutional challenges, governance and service delivery problems. Most of the cities are in the midst of implementing reforms related to the Government of India’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission which is a response to the country’s rapid urbanization. While roughly 285 million people currently reside in urban areas, it is estimated that by 2030 close to 50% of the population with live in cities.

The seven mega cities play a major role in India’s economic development process. However, structural reforms are required to increase their economic base, deliver basic civic services, including those for the urban poor. Long term sustainability of the urban environment is also an issue for each of the cities. Currently, Indian cities contribute almost 60% of India’s GDP. With better infrastructure and expansion of city services, economic growth could be even higher.

U.S. support for the Mega Cities Forum is part USAID’s urban sector reform program which works with the Government of India to promote reforms at the central, state and municipal level in India. USAID urban programs provide assistance for infrastructure improvement, including water and sanitation.