Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province in Pakistan, is experiencing rapid population growth due to a substantial increase in its natural population, resulting in a total population of 1,221,000. This population surge is exerting pressure on the city’s resources and infrastructure. This influx has resulted in overcrowding, informal settlements, and limited affordable housing options, leading to housing insecurity for many residents. Moreover, it has intensified pressure on essential services such as water supply, sanitation, and healthcare. Climate change has exacerbated the situation, with Quetta experiencing limited precipitation that renders rainwater a valuable yet underutilized resource due to the absence of government policies for water management and rainwater utilization. Inefficient drainage systems and a lack of rainwater harvesting infrastructure contribute to flash floods and erosion, while rainwater accumulation on roads impedes daily activities and commutes for the public.
Human settlement model focuses on reducing pollution by promoting energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, and efficient public transportation systems that minimize reliance on private vehicles. By mitigating air and water pollution, sustainable cities improve air quality and public health outcomes for residents.
Enhancing accessibility to amenities, including parks, community gardens, and recreational areas, enhances overall quality of life and promotes social well-being. Human settlement with a focus on sustainability not only minimizes environmental impact but also creates healthier, more resilient urban communities that thrive harmoniously with nature.
In the case of Quetta, planned human settlement strategies can play a pivotal role in addressing these pressing issues. By meticulously designing and organizing urban spaces, planned settlement can optimize land use and prioritize affordable housing initiatives, upgrading infrastructure to accommodate growing demands while promoting environmental sustainability. This approach facilitates the coordinated provision of essential services such as water supply, sanitation, transportation, and green spaces in a manner that can absorb rainwater and mitigate stormwater runoff. Moreover, planned human settlement can facilitate the implementation of Integrated Drainage Systems that efficiently manage rainwater flow, directing it towards retention ponds, infiltration basins, or constructed wetlands where it can be stored or naturally filtered.
Given the challenges faced by Quetta, particularly related to rapid population growth, inadequate infrastructure, housing insecurity, and limited water resources exacerbated by climate change, there are few cities that share similar challenges yet have effectively addressed these issues. Cities like Curitiba, Brazil, effectively managed rapid population growth through integrated transport systems, mixed-use zoning, and green space prioritization. Similarly, Medellín, Colombia, transformed into a model of inclusive urban development through investments in public transportation infrastructure and community engagement.
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Melbourne, Australia, provides insights into water management and sustainability, including rainwater harvesting and conservation initiatives. Ahmedabad, India, emphasizes community engagement, and Singapore’s advanced approaches to urban planning and water management, such as desalination and efficient drainage, could inform strategies for addressing Quetta’s challenges effectively. By studying these cities, Quetta can tailor and apply successful urban development strategies to its unique context.
Planned settlement and sustainable urban development can also offer significant environmental benefits that contribute to long-term ecological health and improve quality of life for Quetta’s residents. Strategic land use planning and zoning can help preserve natural resources such as green spaces and wetlands like Hanna Lake, maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance within the environment.
To adopt the human settlement model effectively, policymakers and stakeholders must undertake several key actions. Firstly, they should develop and advocate for comprehensive urban development policies that prioritize sustainability, encompassing aspects such as land use planning, affordable housing initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and environmental protection measures. Secondly, engaging diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, community organizations, and residents, in planning and decision-making processes is crucial.
Thirdly, Investing in capacity-building initiatives to enhance technical expertise among local authorities, planners, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in urban development is essential for sustainable progress. Allocating financial resources towards vital infrastructure projects like water management systems is crucial to ensure reliable access to clean water across Quetta. This involves building and upgrading water supply and distribution systems citywide. Promoting rainwater harvesting techniques and implementing wastewater treatment facilities are additional key measures to recycle and reuse water resources effectively.
Furthermore, expanding and enhancing the green bus system will greatly improve citywide connectivity and accessibility. Encouraging walking and cycling through dedicated lanes and pedestrian-friendly zones within residential areas will promote eco-friendly transportation options.
To enrich Quetta’s urban environment, it is imperative to develop and maintain existing parks and recreational spaces. Initiatives such as tree planting programs and the installation of green roofs and vertical gardens can further enhance the city’s greenery and overall environmental quality.
In the renewable energy sector, promoting solar energy adoption through incentives and subsidies for residential and commercial sectors, with a focus on rooftops, will contribute significantly to sustainable energy usage. Exploring wind energy opportunities in suitable areas around Quetta will also diversify renewable energy sources, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for the city.Top of Form
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Moreover, conducting public awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform residents about the benefits of sustainable development and promoting collaboration with international partners, NGOs, and peer cities for knowledge sharing and innovation are vital. Finally, implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and assess the impact of sustainability initiatives, while embracing innovative technologies to optimize resource use and enhance efficiency, will ensure Quetta’s path towards a sustainable and resilient future.
Author’s bio: Sadia Zahra is a Researcher Fellow at Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN) from Quetta. She is a graduate of Public Administration, BUITEMS. She can be contacted at Sadiaalianjum@gmail.com Sadia.zahra@bttn.org.pk
Twitter: @Sadia_Anjumm
