Centralizing Raw Data: Amplifi 2.0 Aims to Revolutionise Urban Affairs

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in India has kickstarted a pioneering initiative, Amplifi 2.0, aimed at centralizing raw data from cities across the nation. Launched as the Assessment and Monitoring Platform for Liveable, Inclusive, and Future-ready Urban India, this portal is set to transform urban development strategies by harnessing the power of data.

However, initial hurdles have surfaced as only 150 out of 225 urban local bodies (ULBs) were able to contribute data due to varying levels of data maturity among cities.

Scope and Current Coverage

At present, Amplifi 2.0 encompasses data from 150 cities, offering a diverse array of information ranging from diesel consumption and water quality testing to healthcare expenditure and slum population statistics. This compilation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within urban landscapes. The ultimate goal is to include data from over 4,000 Urban Local Bodies, forming an extensive database critical for informed policy formulation.

The Ministry historically used ULB data to rank cities based on indices such as the Ease of Living Index, Municipal Performance Index, Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework, and Data Maturity Assessment Framework. Now, the government is set to enhance transparency by releasing reports focusing on specific subsets of these indices, ensuring accountability in urban development initiatives.

Embracing Data-Centric Strategies

The Urban Outcomes Framework 2022, a collaborative effort by the National Institute of Urban Affairs and Ernst and Young, marks a shift from mere indices to comprehensive data analysis. With a meticulous list of indicators across 14 sectors, this framework offers a holistic perspective on urban development, enabling experts to delve deeper into disaggregated data to grasp the intricate urban challenges and opportunities.

The Amplifi 2.0 initiative meticulously addresses data across 14 sectors, including demography, economy, education, energy, environment, finance, governance, health, housing, mobility, planning, safety and security, solid waste management, and water and sanitation. This streamlined data collection not only aids in current policy-making but also lays the foundation for future frameworks based on open data principles.

Urbanization Trends and Economic Impact

India is undergoing rapid urbanization, with projections indicating a significant shift in population dynamics by 2030. It's estimated that 40% of the population will reside in urban areas, up from 31% in 2011. Urban regions already contribute substantially to the country’s GDP, a trend set to rise from 63% in 2011 to 75% by 2030, as per the 2011 Census.

The Amplifi 2.0 initiative stands as a beacon, illuminating the path toward data-driven urban development strategies. As it gathers momentum, the portal is poised to become a cornerstone in shaping India’s future cities, ensuring they are not just liveable but also inclusive and future-ready.