Kathmandu Valley has been subject to a rapid process of urbanization. Particularly noteworthy in recent years has been the spiraling price of land, with an associated boom in the real estate sector and land speculation.

The objective of World Water Day 2011 is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.

Citizens, governments and the United Nations increasingly are embracing a new paradigm for development: the Green Economy. Proponents seek to develop their economies along pathways of higher, more equitable growth at lower carbon, energy and resource intensity. The Green Economy is pro-growth and pro-jobs, as well as pro-environment.

This new UN report focuses on the current issues and challenges which national and local governments, the business sector and organised civil society are facing. It highlights several critical issues – demographic and economic trends, poverty and inequality, the environment, climate change and urban governance and management.

This paper considers how the official poverty line in India would have to change, if it were to be set at a level that allowed urban households to afford minimally adequate accommodation. It discusses the difficulties in incorporating housing needs into poverty lines, noting that households that rent accommodations are treated differently in India's poverty statistics from those who are owners.