Framework For Sustainable Urban Renewal In India A Case Study Of Kucche Quarters In Sonipat Haryana

Abstract

India s rapid urbanization, expected to add 416 million residents by 2050, poses significant challenges in secondary cities, particularly in grey urban areas formally developed spaces that have informally degraded. This study develops a context-sensitive framework for sustainable urban renewal, focusing on Kucche Quarters, Sonipat, Haryana, a historic residential enclave transitioning into a mixed-use commercial hub. Key concerns include deteriorating infrastructure, socio-economic disparities, environmental decline, and the shortcomings of top-down renewal programs like the JNNURM, which neglect local inclusivity. newline newlineUsing a transdisciplinary case study approach, the research integrates literature review, GIS-based spatial analysis, photogrammetry, participatory mapping, stakeholder analysis, and surveys of 200 residents (2022 2024). Findings reveal densification, encroachment, and informal adaptations that intensify congestion and environmental risks but sustain economic vitality. Residents emphasize strong cultural identity while expressing fears of displacement and gentrification. Urban Local Bodies demonstrate partial success, but institutional fragmentation and limited community engagement constrain outcomes. newline newlineThe study proposes a replicable renewal framework combining physical upgrades (sanitation, mobility), socio-cultural preservation, green infrastructure, climate resilience, and participatory governance. Rather than disruptive redevelopment, the framework emphasizes community agency and adaptive regeneration. newline newlineIn conclusion, sustainable urban renewal in India must be multidimensional, flexible, and resident-centered to ensure equity, resilience, and inclusivity. Policy implications include strengthening ULB capacities, adopting climate-responsive strategies, and leveraging urban voids for multifunctional regeneration, aligned with the UN SDGs for sustainable cities. newline