Question: Union has recently launched the initiative Nurturing Neighborhoods Challenge.
This initiative is related to-
a) Shaping normal relations Neighboring Countries
b) Providing food to slums located in big cities
c) Focusing on shaping cities for young children and their families.
d) Protecting our neighborhood environment
Answer: (c)
Related Facts:-
- On 04 November 2020; Nurturing Neighborhoods Challenge initiative was launched by the central government.
- Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs launched the initiative, the focusing on shaping cities for young children and their families.
- Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs launched the initiative.
- The Nurturing Neighborhoods Challenge is a 3-year initiative, will support cities to develop, pilot, and scale solutions that enhance the quality of life of young children, their caregivers and families in the public realm.
- The initiative has been launched with the support of the Bernard van Leer Foundation, Netherlands with technical support from WRI lndia.
- The Minister explained following aspects of the initiative-
- Through the challenge, selected cities will receive technical assistance and capacity-building to reimagine parks and open spaces;
- Improve access to early childhood facilities;
- Adapt public spaces with early childhood-oriented amenities;
- It will give impetus to create accessible, safe, walkable streets for young children and families.
- The challenge will be open to all Smart Cities, other cities with more than five lakh population, and capitals of States and UTs.
- The urban environment shapes a young child’s health and development, particularly in the crucial and vulnerable first five years of life.
- During the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, more than 1 million new neural connections are formed every second.
- By enhancing the primary public domain of young children and their families to be safer and more stimulating for early childhood, the Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge can help lay the foundation for more robust social and economic development outcomes in Indian cities for decades to come.”
- Families are challenged by inadequate public transport, as well as food, healthcare and childcare deserts.
- Thoughtful urban planning and design can play a major role in addressing such challenges and in giving children a good start in life.
- Parameters of thoughtful urban planning to children a good start in life:-
- Walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods that cater to the basics a young in family needs within 15 minutes on foot.
- Lively, green public spaces close to home that offer amenities for caregivers while allowing small children to explore safely.
- Safe transport routes and transit systems that make it easy, affordable and enjoyable for families with young children to travel.
- Healthy environments with safe levels of air quality and low noise pollution
- A vibrant community life that supports family well-being.
- For a city to be responsive to all people, it needs to consciously address the needs of the most vulnerable groups.
- Incorporating an early childhood lens in city planning will support more holistic, people-oriented urban development.
By – Rajesh Tripathi
Links:-
https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1670032
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-launches-nurturing-neighborhoods-challenge/article33025839.ece