Muzaffarpur’s Development Crossroads: Unpacking the Hurdles to a Sustainable Future

Abstract

Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) has emerged as a central policy objective for India’s rapidly growing Tier-II cities. Muzaffarpur, an important economic and administrative center in Bihar, reflects both the promise and the strain of this transition. While economic activity and population growth signal opportunity, residents’ lived experiences suggest that sustainability outcomes remain limited.

This research article analyzes primary survey data collected from 339 residents of Muzaffarpur to examine the city’s position at a critical development crossroads and to assess public perceptions of its sustainable urban development efforts. Using a five-point Likert scale, the study finds an overall mean perception score of 2.88 (Neutral = 3.0), indicating mild dissatisfaction and growing disillusionment. Three interconnected hurdles emerge prominently: (1) a critical deficit in basic infrastructure and environmental services, particularly waste management and green space equity; (2) weak implementation of sustainability policies leading to erosion of public trust; and (3) a socio-economic paradox where economic and population growth are intensifying pressure on already fragile urban systems. The findings underline the need for a shift from policy formulation toward equitable, transparent, and outcome-oriented execution of core municipal services.

Keywords: Sustainable Urban Development; Tier-II Cities; Urban Infrastructure; Public Perception; Environmental Equity; Muzaffarpur; Urban Governance