New Delhi, Dec 17 (IANS): Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu Wednesday said the role of private players was crucial in the growth of South Asia's urban systems.

The minister said that given the rapid rise in urban population in the region, the gigantic 'urban demographic transformation' needs to be managed in a manner that is more sustainable in terms of environment and more inclusive in economic and social terms.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a Regional Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Urbanization in South Asia here Wednesday.

"It must not lead to proliferation of slums, traffic congestion, increase in crime rate," he added.

He called for thoughtful actions, strategic planning and harnessing of new technologies so that there is a smarter, more inclusive and sustainable development pattern.

Naidu said that real growth of the region's urban systems can come through innovative planning, effective governance and dependable funding.

He said that the role of the private sector is crucial in these efforts as it can provide new knowledge and technology for enabling development of sustainable infrastructure and also for raising the financial resources required to bring about the change.