EFFECTIVENESS IN SERVICE DELIVERY OF KERALA SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS-A STUDY WITH REFERNCE TO WATER SUPPLY SERVICES

Our cities are true representatives of various economic, social, cultural and environmental changes that have taken place over the years. They represent the pulse of development. Urbanization has truly contributed to increase the number of million plus cities in India. The increase in population adds to the productivity of these cities. They make more contribution to the Gross Domestic Product. Thus cities and towns are centers of development. Since these urban areas play an important role in sustaining economic prosperity of the nation, sufficient care is taken to provide these areas with quality services.The Report on Indian Urban Infrastructure and Services (2011) had pointed out the need for planned urban development that would add to economic prosperity. Building new cities or upgrading existing ones will not improve the situation. Increased population demand more housing, transportation, education, hospitals, clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. They also create more congestion and pollution. In the report suggestions given for managing these challenges, are planning by integrating investment in infrastructure with strengthened urban governance and urban financing leading to enhanced quality of service delivery systems through capacity building.