By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 27 Sep: A professional MSc course in Urban Development Management is being started at Doon University, here, from this session. The course will provide in-depth studies and practical exposure on various important aspects of urban development and management. This will help in developing an understanding of urban administration and planning at different levels related to it. The course is being conducted with the help of CEPT University, Ahmedabad. The course has been designed by the experts from CEPT University and classes are being conducted for students under the guidance of experts so that students can gain theoretical knowledge along with practical experience in urban development management.
Prof Surekha Dangwal, Vice Chancellor, mentioned that this is a high-grade professional postgraduate course. It holds special importance for the state of Uttarakhand, as it will help produce trained and specialised professionals for the development and management of townships in the Himalayan states. Disasters in towns like Uttarkashi and Joshimath have been caused, in part, by the unorganised nature of urban development. This course will help in understanding and building relationships between different levels of urban administration. It will provide expertise on issues like equality and inclusion in urban society, along with addressing problems and solutions related to urban housing and land management. And also help in designing sustainable and better structures in towns with populations ranging from ten to fifteen thousand. To clarify such aspects, it is essential that students learn to analyse city data and gain practical knowledge in creating better urban plans and policies.
Prof Chirayu Bhatt from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, explained that the Urban Development Management (MSc) course at Doon University focuses on protecting the Himalayan urban environment and promoting sustainable development. Along with this, emphasis is placed on achieving urban development goals through the concept of smart cities and digital technologies. Dr Subhrangshu Goswami, another expert from CEPT, mentioned that the course ensures that students receive knowledge about financial planning and resource management for urban development, enabling them to understand the complexities of urban development and become future urban planners, policymakers, and administrative officers capable of managing cities effectively.
Prof RP Mamgain, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, stated that projects and internships in the MSc Urban Development Management course will be conducted in mountainous regions, enabling students to gain expertise in working in such areas. Uttarakhand is a budding state where model cities need to be developed, and this course will prove to be employment-oriented for students while assisting in the urban planning of the state.
Prof Arun Kumar, Director of the Research and Development Cell at Doon University, said that the university has always encouraged research related to the hill towns of Uttarakhand. Various departments at Doon University are already conducting research on waste management, water purification, urban geography, air quality index, flood management, geographical information systems (GIS), and remote sensing, which will benefit the students of this course.
Dr Swati Bisht, Coordinator of the Global South Centre for Urban Studies at Doon University, mentioned that an expert panel has been prepared to teach this course. Academicians from reputed institutions with expertise in various fields are included in this panel. Experts from Doon University, such as Prof. RP Mamgain, Prof Harsh Dobhal, Prof Surendra Singh Suthar, Dr Achlesh Davare, Dr Vipin Kumar, Dr Abhijeet Sahay, Dr.Sonu Kaur, Dhriti Dhondiyal, and Dr Pallavi Upreti, are also part of this panel.
