Abulfazl Noorouzi, former director general of the Economy and Housing Office of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, in a deep conversation about the challenges of urban development in Iran, referred to the protective interventions of some agencies in the Supreme Council of Urban Planning. He believes that these interventions and restrictive views have become an obstacle to the planned and horizontal development of cities.
Protective Perspective and Its Impact on Urban Development
Noorouzi stated that protective interventions are usually justified under various pretexts such as preserving the environment or preventing the destruction of historical buildings, noting that this approach has practically led to slow development and the failure to realize long-term plans. He emphasized the need for a better understanding of the real needs of cities and their residents, and thus, there is a need for a change in perspective and approach in decision-making.
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Challenges and Solutions
Noorouzi continued to address the numerous other challenges facing urban development. He pointed to the shortage of financial resources, lack of planning in housing provision, and the lack of coordination among various institutions, stating: "If we cannot create a comprehensive and coordinated program for urban development, we will always face problems such as population growth and the need for new infrastructure."
The former director general of the Economy and Housing Office also emphasized the need to pay attention to public participation in urban planning, saying: "Cities should become places for better living, not just through decisions made by government agencies but with the cooperation and participation of their residents." He believes that this participation can help prevent unilateral and unprincipled decisions.
Given this situation, Noorouzi called for the establishment of a suitable platform for dialogue among various institutions and city residents, stating: "If we can reach an agreement in this area, we can move towards sustainable and balanced development."
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