Urban development has emerged as a critical issue in India due to the country’s rapid demographic changes, economic growth, and increasing migration from rural to urban areas. Over the last few decades, India has witnessed unprecedented urbanization, with the urban population increasing from about 17% in 1951 to over 34% in 2021, and projections suggest that it may reach nearly 40% in the next decade. This rapid urban growth is driven by the search for better employment opportunities, access to education, healthcare, and improved living standards. As a result, cities have become the engines of economic growth, contributing a significant share to the national GDP, attracting investment, and fostering industrialization and service sector expansion. However, the pace of urbanization has outstripped the planning and infrastructure capacities of many cities, leading to multiple social, economic, and environmental challenges that make urban development a pressing issue. One of the foremost reasons urban development has gained importance is the strain on infrastructure caused by high population densities in cities. Many urban areas face congestion in housing, transportation, water supply, sanitation, and waste management. Informal settlements, commonly referred to as slums, are increasing in number, and millions of urban residents live in inadequate housing conditions with limited access to basic services. This situation not only affects the quality of life but also impacts public health, as overcrowding and poor sanitation can lead to outbreaks of communicable diseases. The rapid expansion of cities without proper planning further intensifies the demand for urban resources, creating environmental hazards such as air and water pollution, rising temperatures due to