Friday, February 6, 2015

Planning cities: planners call the shot, or consult the public

An essay by Biji Lukose from Scotland, online

Some say city planners are informed enough to plan any new city or expanding an existing city. But other say, it is good to consult people no matter how informed the planners are.

Discuss and put in your opinion.

These days many people are of the opinion that city planners are responsible for constructing new cities. Some, however, disagree with this view for a host of reasons; according to them it is better to take people into confidence even if the planners are excellent. In my opinion, people need to be well informed.

It is a fact that, for the development of a nation, healthy and cooperative citizens are needed. Healthy citizens are the backbone of a country. So, they are responsible for knowing the progression of their country. Authority should inform any changes or plan directly to citizens very well in advance because they are the end-users. Government is authorizing to build new cities according to the needs of the people. They should plan the outlines with the help of citizens. For this they need to arrange an open conversation with public and accept their views. For example, if government wants to construct new city or roads in the heart of an existing city, it will be easy with concrete inputs  of the public and authority. So, it is good to consult them first all the expertise of planners notwithstanding.

On the other hand, it is right to argue that city planners are efficient to plan areas because they are qualified people, who know the utility of the place. Hence, it is wise idea to fall back of their expertise and ingenuity. Moreover, they are qualified to modify the areas by following relevant rules. But, it is difficult for them to implement their ideas without public support. Again, it comes to the point that it is better to convince the public regarding any change in the development exercise of a city area, existing or upcoming.

From the above mentioned points, it can be concluded that, even though city planners are qualified, for the smooth functioning of the construction and expansion of cities, public consensus is inevitable.   




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