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Plug In Urbanism- Transforming Healthcare and Disaster Response

Why is India not harnessing the full potential of plug-in urbanism to drive sustainable, inclusive growth?

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Many areas in Maharashtra lack sufficient secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities, forcing people to travel long distances for medical care, similarly, government schools in different regions lack qualified teachers, access to books and technology, and many communities are ill-prepared for disasters, most recent ones being the coastal communities Nisarg and Tauktae cyclones.

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“Plug-in urbanism” is proposed as a mobile flexible planning mechanism to address the needs of communities, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure, provide for the gaps in healthcare, essential educational amenities in public schools, facilities and amenities at large scale events and for disaster preparedness.

Background 

Many areas in Maharashtra lack sufficient secondary and tertiary facilities.

Healthcare facilities, forcing people to travel long distances for medical care.

Government schools in different regions lack qualified teachers access to books Technology.

Many communities are ill-prepared for disasters, most recent ones being the coastal communities Nisarg and Tauktae cyclones.

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“Plug-in Urbanism” is proposed as a mobile flexible planning mechanism: To address the needs of communities Particularly in areas with limited infrastructure Provide for the gaps in healthcare Essential educational amenities in public schools Facilities and amenities at large scale events For disaster preparedness

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Plug-in Urbanism Impact & Advantage

  • Plug-in urbanism in the form of mobile units can be set up very quickly without the requirement of large amount of funding or land-take

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  • Similar facility can serve a wider population on a rotational basis, on a need basis, enhancing the use of physical, monetary and human resources

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  • The skills from qualified doctors and specialists can be used more efficiently and conversely a wider population can gain from expert healthcare personnel

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  • Due to the mobile nature, disasters can be tackled quicker within certain radii

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  • Children across the state can benefit from a range of resources irrespective of whether they are in small villages, towns or cities.

Pilgrimage/Festivals  in Maharashtra with influx of population

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Marbat Festival of Nagpur Kali Pili Marbat 

Pandharpur Wari5,00,000 Pilgrims and over 1,000 trucks

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Chaityabhoomi, DadarLakhs of visitors every year

Jejuri Khandoba Mandir, PuneBhandara Festival

Role of Plug-in Urbanism 

In Pilgrimage/ Festivals

During large events like Pandharpur Wari, Marbat Festival, and Kumbh Mela, mobile healthcare units can provide:

  • Efficient medical aid​​

  • Services like eye exams​​

  • Dental care​​

  • Blood banks​​

  • Dedicated support for senior citizen​

Temporary infrastructure and essential services can be provided including:

  • Comfortable resting areas with basic amenities​​​

  • Mobile kitchens for meals​​​

  • Other supporting facilities can be deployed along pilgrimage routes​​​​

  • Event locations to support local resources

In Disaster Management

To improve disaster preparedness by offering immediate support such as:

  • ​​​Mobile hospitals/ healthcare units

  • Kitchens and for providing supplies

  • Mobile learning facilties

In Education

Number of public schools can be set up to serve a:

  • Mobile libraries

  • Art centres

  • Computer workshops etc.

Strategic Framework

  • Organize ‘specialized health camps’ on a rotational basis between divisions of Maharashtra

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  • ‘Scheduling by Division’ could be implemented like a cyclical system throughout the year

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  • ‘Library on Wheels’ in the form of mobile libraries that travel through districts

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  • The State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) with district-level authorities as mediators, can coordinate funding allocation

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