Can Planning Reverse the Rise in Sexual Violence in India's Cities?

The increase in vehicular speeds, removal of street hawkers, and addition of gated neighborhoods are all seen as contributing to a rise in crimes against women in New Delhi and other Indian cities. How can planning and design reverse this trend?

1 minute read

September 28, 2013, 5:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Neyaz Farooqui looks at some of the factors that are thought to have contributed to the rise in sexual violence in India's cities. Auto-centric planning, the placement of streetlights, and the segregation of cities into zones of exclusion each have a role in producing unsafe social and physical environments for women. 

"Urban planners and designers argue that apart from better policing, gender-sensitive city planning and design can help make India’s cities safer for women," explains Farooqui. "Patterns of crime in a city, according to these experts, vary according to its urban design."

UPDATE (9/30): It appears as though some cities are already taking steps to create women-only spaces in response to the rise in sexual violence. Writing in The Washington Post, Annie Gowen notes that women-only buses, cabs, travel groups, and parks are emerging in several cities. 

Thursday, September 26, 2013 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog