Urban and town planning in India has evolved through a combination of indigenous traditions, colonial interventions, and modern planning principles. Several leading international and Indian planning masters have contributed to shaping Indian cities and towns, introducing concepts such as modern civic planning, zoning, public health, regional development, and sustainable urbanism. Their influence spans from the pre-independence period to post-independence city-building programs.
1. Ebenezer Howard (1850–1928) – Garden City Influence
Contribution to India:
Howard’s Garden City concept inspired the planning of suburbs and satellite towns in India during the early 20th century.
Advocated self-contained towns with green belts and balanced residential, industrial, and agricultural zones.
Indian Examples:
Lutyens’ Delhi incorporated elements of green spaces and planned neighborhoods.
Chandigarh and several industrial townships adopted Howard-inspired garden city principles with segregated zones and green belts.
Impact:
Introduced sustainable urban forms and human-centric planning in Indian cities.
2. Sir Patrick Geddes (1854–1932) – Regional and Civic Planning
Contribution to India:
Known as the father of Indian urban planning, Geddes was instrumental in introducing systematic urban planning in India.
Emphasized the “survey before plan” approach, integrating topography, climate, culture, and social conditions into planning.
Advocated for regional planning and civic design rather than ad hoc urban development.
Indian Projects:
Prepared master plans for Madras (Chennai), Nagpur, Lucknow, and Jaipur in the 1910s–1920s.
Introduced town planning education in India, influencing generations of planners.
Impact:
Pioneered sociological and regional approach to Indian urban development.
Laid the foundation for professional town planning in India.
3. Le Corbusier (1887–1965) – Modernist Planning
Contribution to India:
Applied modernist urban design principles to Indian contexts, emphasizing zoning, open spaces, and rational layouts.
Indian Projects:
Designed the master plan of Chandigarh, India’s first planned capital city post-independence (1950s).
Introduced sector-based planning, wide roads, and integration of administrative, residential, and commercial zones.
Impact:
Chandigarh became a global model of modernist urban planning, combining functionality, aesthetics, and climate-sensitive design.
4. Charles Correa (1930–2015) – Contextual and Human-Centered Planning
Nationality: Indian
Contribution: Pioneer of modern Indian architecture and urban design, blending traditional Indian forms with contemporary planning principles.
Key Projects:
Navi Mumbai: Planned as a satellite city to Mumbai using modern town planning principles.
Kanchenjunga Apartments, Mumbai: Emphasis on climate-responsive and high-density urban housing.
Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur: Integrated cultural heritage and civic space planning.
Impact:
Advocated for human-scale urbanism, respect for local culture, and climate-sensitive planning.
Influenced post-independence Indian urbanism, balancing modernity with context.
5. Joseph Bazalgette (1819–1891) – Sanitation and Public Health Influence
Indirect Contribution to India:
British engineers applied Bazalgette’s sanitation and sewerage systems in colonial Indian cities.
Indian Examples:
Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai implemented modern drainage, sewage, and water supply systems during the British period.
Impact:
Introduced the importance of health, hygiene, and infrastructure planning in Indian urban contexts.
6. Norman Foster and Modern Architects (Late 20th Century)
Contribution:
Introduced high-tech urban infrastructure, sustainable architecture, and master planning principles in Indian cities.
Examples:
Mumbai International Airport: Modern transport-oriented planning.
Integrated townships and corporate parks in Delhi NCR and Bangalore.
Impact:
Modernized urban infrastructure, integrating global planning standards with Indian urban realities.
7. Charles Dickens’ Social Reform Influence (Indirect)
While not a planner, social reformers and writers influenced Indian town planning by highlighting industrial urban living conditions, encouraging planned housing and civic amenities in industrial towns like Jamshedpur and Bhilai.
8. Other Key Contributors in Indian Planning
Key Impacts of These Masters on Indian Planning
Modern City Layouts: Introduction of grid and sector-based planning, separating residential, industrial, and administrative zones.
Green Spaces and Health: Incorporation of parks, gardens, and civic amenities to improve public health.
Regional Planning: Linking urban growth with regional transport, water supply, and economic planning.
Human-Centered Design: Emphasis on livable neighborhoods, cultural context, and social equity.
Infrastructure Development: Systematic planning of sewage, roads, and public utilities in cities and industrial towns.
Conclusion
Indian urban and town planning evolved through the combined influence of international masters and visionary Indian architects/planners. From Howard’s Garden City and Geddes’ sociological approach to Le Corbusier’s modernist Chandigarh and Charles Correa’s contextual urbanism, planning in India reflects a blend of global principles with local culture, climate, and social needs. These contributions have shaped India’s post-independence city-building, satellite towns, and modern urban infrastructure, providing a roadmap for sustainable, functional, and livable urban environments.
