The urbanisation of the state has thrown up a number of challenges. The re-distribution of political power away from the villages, the migration of large numbers of people to cities (including from other states), the changing nature of the new economy, the threats to the environment and the character of old cities, are all issues that we must grapple with and overcome equitably and sustainably. While some efforts, both at the Centre and the State level, have been made to meet these challenges, there is much more that remains to be done.
Against this background, on 31 December 2008 the Government of Karnataka established a Committee to discuss the various issues relating to urban governance, and prepare an Urban Development policy for the State.