SDG 11 and sustainable cities – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D are correct as they reflect the text and spirit of SDG 11, which emphasises inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable settlements, improved services and participatory governance. Statement C is incorrect because environmental quality, including air, green spaces and waste, is central to sustainable cities. Statement E is also wrong as SDG 11 applies to cities and human settlements of all sizes. Thus, the combination A, B and D only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits D, which highlights participatory planning as a key strategy for implementing SDG 11. Without D, the governance aspect of sustainable cities is not addressed.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since it includes C along with A and B, thereby accepting the false claim that sustainable cities initiatives ignore environmental concerns. In reality, environmental quality is one of their core pillars.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it groups B, D and E and treats E as correct. While B and D are true, E wrongly limits SDG 11 to megacities and excludes smaller towns, which goes against the universal applicability of the SDGs.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it selects the three true statements and excludes C and E, both of which misrepresent the sustainable cities agenda. It captures social, service-related and governance dimensions of SDG 11.