Editorial

Urbanization in Asia is a reflection of the region’s remarkable economic growth and demographic transformation. With its bustling metropolises, burgeoning secondary cities and rapidly expanding urban peripheries, Asia showcases the dynamism and complexity of urban development. Asian cities are vibrant hubs of creativity, diversity and entrepreneurship, driving progress and shaping the future of the continent. By harnessing the power of technology, knowledge sharing and collective action, we can steer urbanization towards a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive path.

In this volume, we explore the diverse facets of Asia’s urbanization through a collection of insightful analyses, thought-provoking case studies and innovative solutions. Delving deep into the region’s dynamic landscape, the articles in the journal try to uncover the intricate interplay between economic progress, cultural dynamics, environmental sustainability and social equity within bustling metropolises and rapidly evolving secondary cities.

In the first article, Dolorès Bertrais and Laura Beckwith discuss that the complex task of managing urban growth and development amidst climate and environmental change has spurred numerous policy discussions around the concept of the ‘green city’. While this term is widely used and recognized, there’s an argument that its discourse often sidesteps or obscures issues of social and environmental justice. Taking Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as a case study, the authors attempt to demonstrate that despite the prevalence of green and sustainable city discourses in policymaking, they do not align with actual urban planning practices. Instead, they have shaped an urban vision that prioritizes global capital interests, leading to the continued degradation of urban biodiversity and the marginalization of the urban poor. The authors suggest that a reimagining of the green city concept is necessary, one that integrates principles of participatory and distributive justice to ensure that urban planning practices are both inclusive and sustainable.

The following article by Md. Sohel Rana et al. examines the role of railway projects in the transformation of the economic landscape of the Pabna district in Bangladesh. Within a decade (2012–2022), areas near railway stations witnessed an unprecedented rise in land prices, with values almost doubling near major highways, indicating a robust correlation between infrastructure development and land valuation. As a result of the construction of railway lines, areas that were primarily agricultural have transformed into bustling residential and business activity zones. The authors conclude that the shift in land use, coupled with the increase in prices, particularly near strategic locations like Pabna and Dhalarchar stations, illustrates the transformative effect of transportation infrastructure on regional development and property markets. The research findings help city planning authorities and practitioners formulate transit-oriented development plans to make smart and resilient cities.

Akmaral Agibayeva et al., in their article, study how urban residents in Astana, Kazakhstan perceive and understand air quality, given the city’s high pollution levels. Using structural equation modelling, authors have explored the link between perceived air quality, environmental knowledge and willingness to invest in environmental protection. Despite a high level of education among residents, environmental literacy remains low compared to countries with fewer university graduates. Factors like age, education and health significantly influence individuals’ environmental knowledge and awareness. The study suggests that knowledge is a major determinant in improving public understanding and perception of air pollution. The findings offer important guidance for policymakers aiming to raise awareness about air quality in rapidly growing urban areas.

The large Iranian cities faced significant casualties and damages from natural disasters during 2010‒2020, primarily due to structural deficiencies. Mostafa Mohammadi Dehcheshmeh and Fereshteh Abdolabbas, in their article delve into identifying and categorising the key factors influencing these cities’ preparedness for natural disasters through consultations with 150 experts and city officials from 10 major cities. To obtain a multi-dimensional and comprehensive model, the authors used PROMETHEE and GAIA as structural methods. PROMETHEE analysis reveals that institutional-managerial and social-citizenship factors are the most influential in preparedness. Additionally, GAIA VISUAL results emphasize the importance of comprehensive disaster plans and hazard mapping as essential drivers for preparedness. Economic factors, such as hazard-based investments, emergency budgets and business continuity training, are identified as key facilitators in overcoming challenges related to local government financing.

Binayak Choudhury et al.’s article highlight that the the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas has led to the depletion of valuable agricultural land and disruption of ecosystems, while also encroaching upon open spaces. The authors critically examine the urban growth boundary debate and conducts an empirical analysis to objectively define it for the Indian city of Bhopal using various urban footprints, aiming to curb arbitrary urban sprawl. The approach proposed in this paper can be applied to cities worldwide, transcending geographical boundaries in defining urban boundaries.

The article by Duc Hong Vo examines internal migration within Vietnam. It reveals that house- hold dynamics and characteristics significantly influence migration patterns. With a dataset of 8,567 observations, the research discovers that larger and wealthier households, mainly those led by educated heads, show a higher propensity to migrate, often to economically vibrant areas like the Southeast and Red River delta regions, home to industrial parks, corporate headquarters and key educational institutions. Furthermore, the research suggests that adverse ecological conditions, especially insufficient rainfall and higher temperatures, increase the likelihood of migration for households living in the highest temperature area of 28–30°C. These findings carry substantial policy implications, pointing towards the need for Vietnamese policymakers to consider internal migration trends, characteristics and factors while developing and implementing policies and programmes.

The article by Joko Adianto et al. examines the dynamics of social capital and collective efficacy in the Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area (GJMA) during Indonesia’s large-scale social restrictions (LSSR) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the quantitative study, the authors conclude that neighbourhood residents improved their social capital and practised collective efficacy in several concrete ways to meet their common goals and procure the required goods during the pandemic-led restrictions. The study also finds that shared values and norms, social network size, mutual aid and trust, civic engagement and participation in activities improved during the pandemic. The monthly income level, marital and tenurial status affected the quality of social ties and capital.

Bageshree Yeolekar-Kadam and Jyoti Chandiramani, in their article, attempt to study local-level planning and development approaches that have been experimented globally to understand the potential of neighbourhoods in sustainable development by conducting a systematic literature review of scholarly literature. The analysis divulges a particularly robust connection between ‘sustainability’ and ‘neighbourhood’, indicating that the integration of energy efficiency, urban regeneration and retrofitting in neighbourhoods is crucial for advancing sustainable urban development. A closer scrutiny reveals a tripartite cluster of associations: first, linking neighbourhoods and urban renewal with public space; second, intertwining sustainable development with local participation and SDGs; and third, correlating population density with gentrification and urban housing. Neighbourhood Sustainability Assessment tools for microscale sustainability evaluations suggest community and local governance as key drivers of sustainable interventions. It shows that the pursuit of sustainable development, especially in urban renewal and gentrification, entails a more nuanced, community-engaged and globally informed local governance approach.

There are three articles in the ‘Perspectives’ section. In the first article, Diganta Das et al. endeavour to trace the intricate evolution of a city that has emerged as a palimpsest over centuries. It delves into the contemporary urban fabric, meticulously mapping out the recent strides in urban and infrastructural developments of the city and the associated challenges. The central argument is that Varanasi has conscientiously cultivated locally nuanced urban practices interwoven with its rich heritage and cultural ethos while concurrently transitioning towards becoming a Smart Heritage City. The authors suggest that in moving forward with a ‘smart’ agenda, there must be a reconciliation of technology’s role in urban improvement with the preservation of Varanasi’s heritage, cultural ethos and inclusivity for all its inhabitants.

In their article, Xiaoxiao Fu et al. investigate the connections between urban liveability, place attachment and behavioural intentions within Isfahan City, Iran, emphasizing that a positive perception of liveability enhances residents’ affection for the city and influences their intention to engage in and support initiatives and recommend them to others. Notably, the research reveals that liveability has a stronger impact on place attachment than on individual behavioural aspects, underscoring the complex interaction between residents’ emotional bonds with the city and their collective social responsibilities. Furthermore, effective urban management requires a concerted, multi-pronged strategy addressing negative factors and integrating innovative interventions to enhance the urban environment and the well-being of its inhabitants. By fostering strong emotional connections between residents and their urban environment, cities can promote positive behavioural intentions and encourage community-oriented action, enhancing a sense of shared responsibility.

The Najafgarh Lake is an inland surface waterbody, functioning as the natural slope and depression of Gurugram and serves as the primary outlet for floodwaters towards the Yamuna River. Ritu Rao et al., in their article, examine the factors influencing Najafgarh Lake’s sustainability in Northern India by analysing stakeholders’ perceptions through a participatory tool. The lake faces complexities due to its jurisdiction spanning multiple governments including Delhi and Haryana states and the central government. Moreover, it is situated where land is highly valued. The article identifies two competing and conflicting interests: reducing water inflow and constructing an embankment vs. preserving it as a wetland. The authors suggest that balancing these interests is essential for long-term sustainability, offering insights to policymakers for developing a management plan.

The common thread across different articles on urbanization and the environment reflects a nuanced exploration of the intricate interplay between urban development, sustainability and community well-being. Data-backed insights firmly anchor our understanding of urban landscapes, signalling the profound significance of fostering community-centric, environmentally conscious urban frameworks. Moreover, an emphasis on the prudent orchestration of smart urban strategies, rooted in heritage and local contexts, resounds throughout these research articles. Whether examining the cultural significance of historical cities like Varanasi or studying the adaptive capabilities of emerging urban markets, a consistent message emerges: a delicate fusion of tradition and innovation is vital in equipping our cities to thrive amidst the ever-evolving urban landscape. These narratives, thus, paint a vivid picture of cities as dynamic, living entities where past and future coalesce and environmental, social and cultural considerations converge to shape sustainable, inclusive urban habitats.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to contributors, reviewers and readers for their continued support and dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering positive change within our urban environments.