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Setting The Agenda For Tomorrow’s Cities
UrbanUpdate
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DESIGN FOR DIVERSITY

Volume IX - Issue III
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EDITORIAL
Dr Jairaj Phatak
Editor-In-Chief | dg@aiilsg.org
Urban 20 – The voice of cities
H
alf the earth’s population already lives in cities; this will reach two-thirds by 2050. Cities account for the
overwhelming proportion of the world’s economic output, while also consuming the bulk of the energy
and generating over two-thirds of all emissions. So clearly cities are where all the action is. Cities and their
concentrated populations also bear the brunt of the fury of natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, and
the impacts of climate change in general. So there is much need for the voice of cities to be heard at the global
level and engage the world’s leaders. This is what URBAN 20 seeks to do. A key plank of the G20, U20 will provide the urban
perspective and thereby enrich the deliberations of the G20 leaders. The 2023 U20 Chair City is Ahmedabad.
Rapid and relentless urbanisation will continue to be a key theme of the 21st Century. Cities are increasingly hosting diverse,
multi-cultural, multi-lingual populations thereby adding much colour and vibrancy to the urban landscape. At the same time,
the challenges before cities and their governments are also of varied hues and growing in complexity. Among the prime
challenges is providing services to the growing population that is coming into cities with great aspirations for themselves and
their families - services ranging from water and sanitation, and waste management, to accessible public healthcare, affordable
housing, and sustainable mobility. The global COVID pandemic presented a new dimension to these challenges and set about
new thought processes among city leaders. There was all-round realisation of the need to strengthen resilience of cities in
order to prevent impacts such as those during the pandemic. The U20 last year chaired by Jakarta, Indonesia focused on
recovery from the effects of the pandemic calling upon G20 leaders to ‘recover together, recover stronger’ while urging them
to augment investments in healthcare and housing.
This year’s focus and the U20 engagement with the G20 leaders could likely once again be on improving livability of cities.
In addition there needs to be special focus on livelihoods security and productive economic engagement for the millions who
will pour into our cities in search of a brighter future. A key element of such strategy could revolve around education, training,
skilling, and re-skilling for large numbers. This is specially so in the context of rapid technological advancements which
require newer and higher order skills. While driverless cars may be some years away, others such as smart meters are already
going into use. With these you will not need an army of modestly-skilled meter readers or bill preparation personnel. And with
the rapid rollout of Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms, there is apprehension about its impact on jobs and livelihoods. These
fears cannot be wished away; these need to be addressed by making the urban population ready for a transition to different
kinds of work that use AI platforms to enhance the quality of life of citizens. This will be necessary so that that inequality is
reduced and to ensure that technology led work does not become the exclusive preserve of a chosen elite.
Mayors in the world’s cities will need to analyse in much detail and then inform national leaders and propose various
measures required to enable equitable and sustainable urbanisation. Urban 20 is a very powerful platform for this purpose and
its role will prove invaluable.
www.urbanupdate.in | July 2023 5

QUOTES
PIN POINT BUZZ

Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
@narendramodi
Interventions under Swachh Bharat Mission have
provided a boost to livelihood and economy. 4000+
women-led SHGs are engaged in sanitation and In line with our traditions and ethos, we have
waste management enterprises. Approximately focused on nine years of sustainable growth.
90,000+ informal waste workers formalized into We have taken significant strides in combating
sanitation value chain climate change, achieving sustainable
Hardeep Singh Puri development goals and preserving India’s rich
Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, GoI biodiversity
Johan Rockström
Director, Potsdam Institute
@jrockstrom
Interventions
The world is not
under
black
Swachh
and white.
Bharat
WeMission
can create
havea
provided
brighter urban
a boost
future
to livelihood
for all and
and
overcome
economy.crises
4000+ It is not climate science that scares the
women-led
through effective
SHGs multilateralism
are engaged in sanitation
and sustainable
and world. It is the inability of societies to solve
waste
urban development
management enterprises. Approximately the problem. Science shows 1.5°C is a global
90,000+ informal waste workers formalized into safety limit. We must hold on to it, and rise
sanitation value chain to the challenge. Not fall into destructive
Hardeep
Maimunah Singh
MohdPuri
Sharif fatalism and inertia
Minister
ExecutiveforDirector,
HousingUNHABITAT
& Urban Affairs, GoI
Nitin Gadkari
Minister of Road Transport
& Highways, GoI
@nitin_gadkari
There’s heat stress that the Global South feels, there’s Whether it is a road, air, railway, ropeway, or port
agricultural loss, there’s public health challenges — all infrastructure, India has witnessed a complete
these problems get compounded one after the other. transformation under the visionary leadership
This is why the Global South is particularly vulnerable, of PM Narendra Modi ji. Giving new momentum
at a time when they’re trying to break out of poverty to the economy and bringing employment
and move into higher levels of economic development opportunities to millions, investment in
Arunabha Ghosh infrastructure has seen a massive push over the
Public Policy Expert; CEO, Council on Energy, Environment and Water last nine years of Gati and Pragati
Heritage City of India

Ahmedabad became India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City in
Urban 2017, recognizing its centuries-old history, unique architecture, and
urban planning. Ahmedabad’s inclusion as a World Heritage City is
TRIVIA primarily attributed to its centuries-old history, unique architecture,
and exemplary urban planning. The city has a rich cultural heritage that
reflects the confluence of Hindu, Islamic, and Jain traditions, which is
evident in its diverse architectural styles and historical monuments

CONTENT
Cover Story
Inside
Volume 9, Issue 3
Leaderspeak
July 2023
43
20
Urban 20 well-positioned to
22
From Trash to Treasure: Cities
accelerate climate actions leading the circular revolution
in G20 countries
Articles
24
Can we walk and cycle in
32
Financing Climate Action:
38
The Value of
our cities? Lessons from International Treated Wastewater
Experience
40
26 34
Govts Have Launched Menstrual
Digital Accessibility: The Key
to Unlocking Mobility for All
Free transport for women to
42
improve their safety in Delhi: Schemes for School-Going Girls,
Examining evidences But Where Are The Girls?
Financing & governance
28 36
cornerstones for a just & equitable
energy transition in cities
44
Mainstreaming heritage & Rapid built environment
urban informalities: Re-looking evidence for policy & planning
people’s agendas in planning adaptation for global heating
Priority Area: Reinventing
Frameworks for Urban Governance
and Planning
Regulars
6 Pin Point 9 Newscan 46 Urban Agenda
8 Diary 13 City Image
www.urbanupdate.in | June 2023 7

AIILSG DIARY
Rajkot Center of AIILSG organised

Vidhyarpan 2023, a felicitation
event to honour and celebrate the
achievements of over 215 students,
who secured government jobs as
Multi-Purpose Health Workers
(MPHW). The event was attended
by Dr Darshita Shah, MLA; Mayor of
Rajkot Dr Pradip Dav; and Deputy
Mayor Kanchan Siddhpura
AIILSG organised Alumni Meet & Career Guidance

Programme for the students at the Belagavi
centre. Rakshit, EITI, Karnataka Pradesh Congress
Committee (KPCC), HV Kadagi, Asst Executive
Engineer, Belagavi and Abhijeet Jawalkar,
Corporator, Belagavi attended the event
AIILSG’s Bhopal and Jharkhand centres

organised yoga sessions in their respective
premises to mark the celebration on
International Yoga Day.

BRIEFS NEWSCAN
CM Jagan Mohan flags

off 516 e-autos for eco- UP govt sets up panel to monitor
friendly garbage collection
financial health of civic bodies
LUCKNOW: The Government of
Uttar Pradesh has set up a high-level
committee to monitor the financial
health of the urban local bodies in
the state. The committee will include
the Chief Secretary and eight other
members of the board and will review
the balance sheets of the civic bodies
on a quarterly basis. The central
government made clear to all the states status, and garbage disposal status.
Chief Minister of Andra Pradesh that no grants will be released to the Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of
Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy flagged civic bodies if its recommendations are the Urban Development Department,
off 516 e-autos worth `22.18 crore not acted upon post-March 2024. Only Government of UP said, “To ensure
under the Clean Andhra Pradesh two-thirds of the 726 ULBs have been ULBs adhere to the conditions, a
(CLAP) programme. The e-autos complying with various parameters committee, comprising eight members,
will be used in 36 municipalities that have been stipulated by the has been constituted after the review.
in Andhra Pradesh for garbage Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Chief Secretary, Agricultural Production
collection. A Suresh, Minister GOI. All the ULBs have to provide Commissioner, Additional Chief or
for Municipal Administration audited annual accounts, property Principal Secretaries heading finance,
and Urban Development, said, tax operationalisation, and detailed Panchayati raj, environment, law, and
“The e-autos are being allotted to utilization report of the funds, the urban development departments will
the small urban local bodies. We performance achieved as per 28 service be its members along with the Secretary
will take steps to supply e-autos level benchmarks, open defecation of the state’s pollution control board.”
as per the requirements of the
ULBs in two to three phases.”
AAP & BJP win three seats each
Assam: CM directs
officials to gear up to in Delhi’s civic body panel
tackle possible floods standing committee has been
With the onset of monsoon season declared. “The AAP government
looming over, Chief Minister of of the Municipal Corporation
Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma, of Delhi (MCD) is committed
held an in-depth meeting with to forming committees as soon
the Deputy Commissioners of as possible,” she said. Kamaljeet
the state to gear up to tackle Sehrawat, Gajender Singh Daral,
possible floods in the state. and Pankaj Luthra from the BJP
Sarma directed officials to keep and Mohd Aamil Malik, Mohini,
the National Disaster Response and Raminder Kaur from the
Force (NDRF) and State Disaster AAP have been elected to the
Response Force (SDRF) on NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) standing committee of the MCD.
alert. An Official added, “CM and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have Even though AAP is the ruling party in
has issued instructions to keep won three seats each in the Municipal the MCD, the outcome of the standing
NDRF and SDRF on alert. Visit Corporation of Delhi’s standing committee election could have an
embankment breach areas and committee. The results of the polls that impact on how the civic body operates
monitor them. Maintaining were held on February 24, 2023, were since most of the executive decisions
roads in flood and landslide- declared after the Delhi High Court are taken by the committee, which
prone areas, availability of overturned Mayor Shelly Oberoi’s now has equal representation from
doctors and medicines, keeping request for a repoll and ordered to both parties. A disagreement over one
ample buffer and fodder stock announce the poll’s results. Following invalidated vote caused the results to be
and allot dedicated phone the court’s order, Oberoi said the result delayed, which led Delhi Mayor Shelly
numbers.” of the election for members of the Oberoi to announce re-election.

NEWSCAN BRIEFS
Rajasthan ULBs yet to issue

New metro route to connect HUDA circular for opting OPS
City Centre to Gurugram’s Cyber City

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee
on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has
approved a proposal for the extension
of Metro connectivity from HUDA City
Centre to Cyber City in Gurugram, a
stretch of 28.5 km with 27 new stations Directorate of local bodies in
to be built in the next four years. A Rajasthan is yet to issue an
government statement mentioned order asking the employees of
that the main corridor would be 26.65 the local bodies (Municipal
km in length with 26 stations and Corporations) to opt for the Old
an extension would be from Basai Pension Scheme (OPS) even
Village to Dwarka Expressway-a 1.85 GOI announced the decision at a press though the finance department
km stretch with one station. “As of briefing and said that the project was an has already issued an order to
date, there is no metro line in Old equal partnership between the Union implement OPS in autonomous
Gurugram. The main feature of this line and Haryana government. and semi-autonomous bodies.
is to connect New Gurugram with Old He said around `2,700 cr of the total The finance department has
Gurugram. This network will connect project cost will come from loans from prescribed a deadline of June 30,
with the Indian Railway station. In the international agencies. In the statement, for employees of the autonomous
next phase, it will provide connectivity the government said the Centre’s share and semi-autonomous bodies.
to IGI Airport. This will also provide would be `869.19 cr, the Government Mauji Shankar Saini, General
overall economic development in the of Haryana would contribute `1,432.49 Secretary, New Pension Scheme
area,” the statement read. Piyush Goyal, cr and the local body, HUDA, would Employees Federation of
Minister of Commerce and Industry, provide `300 cr. Rajasthan (NPSEFR), said, “The
DLB was supposed to issue a
CM Patnaik approves development circular asking the employees of
municipal corporations to opt for
projects worth `183.81 cr OPS by June 30 and also deposit

employer’s share, but no action
BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik has approved projects has been taken in this regard yet.”
worth `183.81 crore under the state government’s flagship scheme MUKTA. The
projects have been sanctioned as part of the second phase, and it will pave the BJP retains Hubballi-
way for the development of 42 urban local bodies spread across ten districts of the Dharwad Municipal
Southern RDC Division. The list of beneficiary districts includes Ganjam, Gajapati,
Corporation
Kalahandi, Nuapada, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kandhamal
and Boudh. The beneficiary local bodies have formulated their respective ward- Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has
wise Annual Action Plans through a participatory approach involving local citizens retained power in Hubballi-
and other key stakeholders. It has also been ensured that these projects are demand- Dharwad Municipal Corporation
driven, technically feasible and environment friendly. Also, the action plans have as both the candidates fielded for
been screened at the department level before they were presented to the state CM the post of Mayor and Deputy
for approval. Since all the projects have been sanctioned as part of the MUKTA Mayor emerged victorious. Veena
scheme, the projects will be implemented by Mission Shakti Groups. Bhardwada has been elected as
In line with the directives of the Chief Minister, the implementation of Mayor of the urban local body,
the projects was discussed with while Satish Hanagal has been
representatives of the concerned appointed as Deputy Mayor.
local bodies. Veena Bhardwada secured 46
The list of projects includes votes, while her rival candidates,
the creation of civic amenities, Suvarna (Congress) and Waheeda
development of water bodies Khanam, received 37 and three
and open spaces, construction of votes respectively. The second
multipurpose community centres, largest municipal corporation has
wall paintings, city beautification been under the ontrol of the BJP
and other labour-intensive works. for the last 15 years.

BRIEFS NEWSCAN
TN: Stalin virtually launches

500 Urban Health and DMRC removes encroachment around
Wellness Centres
metro stations in Old Delhi
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail
Corporation (DMRC) recently stated
that it has begun an anti-encroachment
drive outside Lal Qila and Chandni
Chowk metro stations. DMRC has also
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu engaged local civic bodies for smooth
M K Stalin, virtually launched action as part of the drive.
500 Urban Health and Wellness Street vendors, rickshaws, street carts,
Centres (UHWCs) in the state. etc will be removed from the metro
These Urban Health Centres station premises as part of the drive. The time to time.” DMRC has involved
have been constructed with a drive was conducted at gate number 1 the Municipal Corporation of Delhi
total cost of `125 crore, with and 2 of the Lal Quila Metro station and (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council
each center costing `25 lakh. A gate number 5 of the Chandani Chowk (NDMC), Delhi Development Authority
doctor, nurse, health inspector, Metro station. In its statement, DMRC (DDA) and the Delhi Police in this
and sanitary worker would be said that the drive could also be extended anti-encroachment exercise. A similar
on duty, available from 8 AM to to other metro stations. The move aims exercise was conducted by the DMRC
noon and from 4 PM to 8 PM in to make the navigation of commuters last month in over 11 metro stations,
every UHWC to cater to around easy. Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive including Punjabi Bagh, Azadpur,
25,000 people in the region. Director of Corporate Communications Janakpuri West, Delhi Cantt, Nehru
A total of 500 doctors, nurses, at DMRC, said, “This drive is being taken Enclave, Jasola Vihar, Shaheen Bagh,
health inspectors, and sanitary up to mitigate these inconveniences. Mayur Vihar Phase 1, Welcome, Delhi
workers have been appointed. DMRC also keeps writing about these Gate, Kashmere Gate and Chhatarpur
issues to the agencies concerned from metro stations.
New Town Kolkata
Dev Authority adopts Karnataka CM launches one of the five
Bandicoot robot
W e s t
guarantee schemes ‘Shakti’
Bengal BENGALURU: The Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah launched an
has joined ambitious scheme named ‘Shakti’ which is one of the five guarantee schemes that
Kerala, provides free travel to women on public buses in the state.
T a m i l Speaking at the launch event, Siddaramaiah asserted that women should equally
N a d u take part in the progress of the state and that schemes like Shakti will empower
and Maharashtra to adopt women and increase women’s participation in various fields. “Shakti scheme is a
Bandicoot robot for the program for women. Women, who make up half of society, have been exploited for
mechanical cleaning of sewers centuries. Minorities and women are deprived of opportunities and literacy,” stated
in the capital city of Kolkata. Siddaramaiah. He further compared women’s participation in various developed
This Robot is being used in 18 nations to that of India and said that women’s participation is about 53 per cent in
states and three union territories the USA, 54 per cent in China, 57 per cent in Australia, and 57 per cent in Indonesia.
to revolutionalise sanitation “In Bangladesh, it amounts to 30 per cent whereas in India it amounts to just 24
ecosystems in the respective per cent. After 2014, this rate has come down to 24 per cent from 30 per cent in the
states and union territories country. Countries that have
and also eliminate the age-old more women participation
practice of manual scavenging. will develop.”
Bandicoot is a remotely-operated He added, “There is no
robot specifically designed to question of going back on
eliminate human intervention one’s word. `59,000 crore is
in the cleaning of sewers. Many required to implement all the
people have lost their lives in guarantees. It doesn’t matter
the past during sewage cleaning how much money we are
operations as toxic gases are spending, but it is important
abundant in there. to whom we are giving.”

NEWSCAN BRIEFS
Delhi Govt to resolve water Connaught Place to be

beautified ahead of G20
crisis within 2-3 years

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister of lead Delhiites to no longer face water
Delhi Arvind Kejriwal stated that the shortages,” he added.
government is taking radical steps The government is planning to install
to tackle Delhi’s water crisis which tube wells in regions with high water- New Delhi Municipal Council
will be resolved within the next two– table which will enable the extraction (NDMC) is planning to install two
three years. He mentioned that the of water on a large scale. An innovative fountains in the intersection area
production of water has increased to approach will also be adopted to in the outer circle of Connaught
1,000 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) recharge groundwater by rejuvenating Place as part of the beautification
from 850 MGD in 2015. lakes with treated Sewage Treatment plan ahead of the G20 Summit.
The Delhi government has set a Plants (STPs). The recharged water will The local body has also invited bids
target to further enhance Delhi’s further undergo treatment in Reverse for operation and maintenance of
water production capacity to 1,200- Osmosis (RO) plants before being fountains built along the India
1,300 MGD. “Achieving this goal will supplied to the households. Gate C Hexagon. NDMC’s report
STPs in Delhi says that the private agency in
are currently charge of maintenance of these
undergoing fountains for 11 months will have
e x t e n s i v e to upload pictures of the running
modifications to fountain on a WhatsApp group,
ensure the highest and the fountain can only remain
standards of sewage inoperational for a maximum
treatment, with period of 24 hours in a month.
the goal to mitigate
pollution and World Bank assures infra
promote responsible
investments in Kerala
water resource
management, the
CM stated.
“India is particularly vulnerable to climate

change because of its heavy population” In a meeting with the Chief
Minister of Kerala Pinarayi
COIMBATORE: In the recent Youth 20 talk on climate action, Erik Solheim, Vijayan, officials from the
Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World Bank assured to make
said that India is particularly vulnerable to climate change because of its heavy investments in the state’s basic
population. “You see the effects of climate change everywhere in the world. infrastructure. A statement was
But of course, India is particularly vulnerable to climate change because it has a issued from the CM’s office
heavy population and the kind of nature in India makes it more vulnerable than stating that the assurance was
most other places,” he said. He further added that the country is facing the same given after Pinarayi met Anna
environmental issues as the planet at large. “There is massive pollution, in particular Bjerde, Managing Director
in northern Indian cities like Delhi that are much polluted. India is facing climate (Operations), World Bank, in
change and is more vulnerable to climate change than the United States. America Washington DC, while discussing
and India have been facing the loss of nature, destruction of forest, wiping out of the progress of various projects,
a number of animals,” he said. Talking about the electrification of vehicles and including the ‘Rebuild Kerala’
India’s initiative of introducing public electric initiative that is being carried out
buses he added, “There are 27 cities in India now in collaboration with the World
introducing metro systems. So you see massive Bank. A high-level team from
positive developments in India also and in ten the organisation visited Kerala
years’ time, I think, every new car sold in India to review the development
will be electric. And you will have charging and policy programmes under
stations everywhere.” ‘Rebuild Kerala’ initiative.

CITY IMAGE
Battery-powered Blues Train combating climate blues

HITACHI, A JAPANESE multinational conglomerate corporation has come up with a new battery hybrid train –The Blues Train,
to help cut down carbon emissions and fuel usage by 50 per cent. It can reach and depart from stations completely under battery
power. These trains can operate on electrified and non-electrified lines; it can also recharge its battery while it is in operation
through diesel and electric mode. With a maximum speed of 160 km/hour, it features European Rail Traffic Management System
(ERTMS) digital signaling that helps lower the railway’s energy and emissions footprint by controlling the speed, acceleration,
and braking of trains. The Blues Train claims to be the first tri-mode fleet to begin passenger operations in Europe, last year.

NEWSCAN BRIEFS
J&K: Housing and Urban Affairs dept G20 DEWG’s meeting

concludes in Pune
gearing up for ULB elections
SRINAGAR: Department of Housing and Urban Development is going to submit a
written request to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) asking him to revise the electoral
rolls. The UT government will also conduct delimitation of wards in urban areas
before the revelation of the election schedule for the urban local bodies (ULBs).
Jammu and Kashmir Government has designated Anil Koul, Secretary, Department
of Housing and Urban Development as the nodal officer for the upcoming municipal
elections in the union territory. As per the department’s order, the nodal officer The third meeting of G20
is to collaborate with the Chief Electoral Officer, all Commissioners and Deputy Digital Economy Working
Commissioners, Director, and Urban Local Bodies to request a revision of the Group’s (DEWG) meeting
electoral rolls of the municipal areas. Also, he will be responsible for taking the call concluded in Pune. ‘Digital
on inclusion and exclusion of wards in consultations with the respective municipal Public Infrastructure’, ‘Digital
corporations and municipalities. Skilling’, and ‘Cybersecurity in
Apart from that, the government has also directed the Director and Secretary Digital Economy’ were some key
of ULBs in the state to act as liaison officer and provide all sorts of assistance and priority areas discussed during
support to ensure that the municipal the three-day meeting. The
election 2023, take place smoothly. meeting consisted of a series
There are 19 Municipal Councils of events, including a Global
and 57 Municipal Committees in DPI Summit and a Global DPI
Jammu and Kashmir. The last ULB Exhibition, which were held as
elections took place in October 2018, side events. Closed-door meetings
before which the union territory was of G20 delegates also took place
under the Governor’s rule. during the three-day event.
Global DPI summit recorded in
Kolkata records its warmest night in June person participation of over 250
delegates and over 2,000 attended
as state battles with heatwaves virtually. Also, India inked MoUs
(Memorandum of Understanding)
with four countries.
KOLKATA: Kolkata metropolitan city Kolkata increased to 39 degrees Celsius
records its hottest night on June 8, thanks to high clouds and relative ULB survey identifies
2023, in the last 50 years for which humidity, reported Accuweather, a 256 dangerous buildings
the record has been maintained claims private weather monitoring agency.
in Raigad
the India Meteorological Department Though the arrival of the monsoon
(IMD). GK Das, Head of the Weather in north Bengal has given a bit of relief An official informed that 11
Section in IMD Kolkata, informed the to the citizens of Kolkata, still some municipal councils and five nagar
reporter that on June 8, the nighttime districts of West Bengal are experiencing panchayats have identified 256
temperature reached to 31.2 degrees repeated spells of heatwave. Just before dangerous structures in the Raigad
Celsius. Senior IMD officials confirmed the arrival of the monsoon, north district of Maharashtra ahead of
this development and said that both Bengal and some areas of Sikkim were monsoon season. He said, “The
nighttime and daytime temperature has experiencing extreme temperature rise collector had ordered carrying
been increasing consistently over the with maximum temperature reaching out of such surveys. There are
last few years and in over all the months. 40 degrees Celsius in Bagdogra, 50 dangerous buildings in Uran,
On June 13, the actual temperature of Darjeeling. 36 in Khopoli, 29 in Pen, 23 in
Special Bulletin issued by IMD Mahad and 17 in Alibag. A total of
showed that seven districts in 73 buildings are in very dangerous
West Bengal, including Purbo condition.” He added, “The most
(East) Bardhaman, Paschim (West) dangerous category includes 25
Bardhaman, Bankura, Paschim (West) buildings in Alibag, 13 each in
Midnapur, Jhargram, Birbhum and Mahad and Pen. Now, notices will
Purulia, are amongst the districts which be issued to those occupying such
are expected to experience heatwave structures to save them from any
spells in the coming week. untoward incident.”

ISSN 2349-6266
UrbanUpdate
Volume VIII, Issue XII APRIL 2023
Leaderspeak
Asian Cities - Beacon of hope
in ever-changing world
South
Summit 2023
Inclusive & Resilient Cities
Focuses on innovative solutions,

collaborative efforts for building
resilient urban future

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NEWSCAN BRIEFS
TSPCB on top in Mission LiFE activities 15,600 dwelling units in

Telangana awaits inaugural
HYDERABAD: Telangana State activities, Maharashtra with 2,500 and
Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) Karnataka with 2,300.
has emerged at the top in Mission List of activities organised by the
LiFE activities in India by engaging TSPCB includes cleaning of lakes and
Self Help Groups (SHG) and the hackathons by the students who were
student community. Central Pollution asked to come up with strategies to
Control Board (CPCB) gave themes to reduce pollution on selected topics. A
pollution control boards in the states, district official said, “Many women’s Newly constructed 15,600 houses
out of which they could pick a theme self-help groups, who usually work under the Double Bed Room
and Telangana picked save water, on other things, were also actively Housing Scheme Telangana are
reduce single-use plastic and save involved in the process.” waiting for the inauguration
energy themes. Mission LiFE stands for Lifestyle for ceremony, preparation for
As of June 5, TSPCB organised over Environment and it was launched by which is being made by the
10,000 awareness activities, followed the Prime Minister of India. It is a global Greater Hyderabad Municipal
by Andhra Pradesh with 8,000 such mass movement to encourage people Corporation (GHMC). This
towards action aimed at protecting housing complex has been built
and preserving the environment. As on a land area spanning over 120
part of this mission, 75 individuals’ acres, on which 15,660 houses
LiFE actions have been identified spread across 117 blocks. The
and are grouped into seven themes, project has received Housing and
including saving water, saving Urban Development Corporation
energy, reducing waste, reducing Limited (HUDCO) award for
e-waste, reducing single-use plastic best practice under Housing,
items, adopting sustainable food Urban Poverty and Infrastructure
systems and adopting healthy theme and has garnered praise at
lifestyles. the national level.
GHMC to plant 1 cr saplings in 2023-24 UP to increase green cover

to 15% by 2027; CM
HYDERABAD: As part of the Telangana
Ku Haritha Haram (TKHH), Greater
Hyderabad Municipal Corporation
(GHMC) has proposed to undertake
one crore plantation in the financial
year 2023-24.
Dense plantation will be carried
out around the lakes, educational
institutions, open spaces, graveyards, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
hospitals, colonies, parks, playgrounds, Yogi Adityanath announced that
jail campuses, avenue plantation and the state will increase its green
multilayer avenue plantation. Apart from that, vertical plantation will also be done cover to 15 per cent from its
underneath flyovers. existing 9 per cent by 2027. CM
The measures undertaken to increase green spaces during the financial year said, “To achieve the target, we
2023-24, have been released by the urban local body as part of the ‘ten-year activity need to plant another 175 crore
report’ of the Urban Biodiversity wing of GHMC. The report also informed that saplings in the next five years.”
between 2014 and April 2023, around 456 landscape parks have been built in Over 131 crore saplings were
the colony spaces. Also, the GHMC has built 985 parks including 19 major parks planted in the state in the last six
spread over five acres of land, 17 theme parks, including dog parks, Panchatantra year period. 5.72 crore saplings
parks and interactive science parks etc. were planted in 2017-18 which
Between 2014-15 and 2022-23, the urban local body set a plantation target of 741 increased to 11.77 crore saplings
lakhs, out of which GHMC has completed 698.78 lakhs, including the plantation in 2018-19, 22.60 crore in 2019-
exercises done under different components and homestead plant distribution. 20, 25.87 crore in 2020-21, 30.53
Local body has also created 600 ward-level nurseries since 2020-21, and since 2014 crore in 2021-22 and 35.49 crore in
GHMC has completed 1,120.67 km of avenue plantation. 2022-23.

BRIEFS NEWSCAN
Delhi CM directs DJB to

replace pipes to cut off Conduct socio-economic impact
contaminated water supply
study in Brahmapuram: Kerala HC
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state Government of Kerala has been directed by
the state High Court to carry out a socio-economic impact study to ascertain the
level of mismanagement of municipal solid waste at Brahmapuram dumping site’s
five kilometre radius.
High Court asked Additional Chief Secretary to direct the Ernakulam District
Chief Minister of Delhi has Collector to carry out the survey exercise and place the report before it. The report
directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) should include the negative impact of waste mismanagement on the health of the
officials to permanently resolve the people within 500 metres, 2km and 5km radius.
problem of contaminated water Order of the court came with regard to complaints of the local citizens asking
supply in some parts of the national the court issue directive to the local bodies to take necessary measures to prevent
capital. During a review meeting, waste from flowing into the local water bodies, especially during the monsoon. The
Chief Minister asked the DJB court has said that whichever agency is transporting the waste to the duping sites
members to gather information should take appropriate temporary measures to store the waste till the problem of
from local legislators regarding the segregation is taken care of.
areas which have been receiving June 8 order of the Kerala High Court reads, ‘’Within 15 days, the temporary sheds
contaminated water from the are to be put in place to prevent the percolation of pollution from municipal solid
board’s main supply line. Delhi waste during the rainy season into soil and water bodies.’
CM also asked the officials to find
and replace pipes which were the
reason behind contamination of
the water supply.
Climate change cell begins
Assam: Flood situation collecting data from depts
to worsen after Bhutan
PANAJI: A full-
releases excess dam water
fledged climate
change cell has
been established
in the state go Goa
as part of the State
Action Plan for
Climate Change
The flood situation in Assam (SAPCC). The
worsened after Bhutan has cell has already
released excess water from started gathering
the Kurichhu Hydropower information from
Plant reservoir in Kuricchu state departments
River. Rivers in lower Assam, about any climate
the Kaladiya, and Pahumara change measures
Rivers are flowing above the being introduced by that department.
danger level due to the release Creation of a dedicated cell that would work exclusively on the mitigation efforts
of excess water. A recent report against climate change in Goa was one of the recommendations put forward
released by the Assam State under SAPCC. The action plan is expected to be implemented this year and
Disaster Management Authority mitigation strategies outlined in the plan will be revisited once every three years to
(ASDMA) stated that the current accommodate the need to meet the demands of changing environment.
floods have affected 37,535 Reports suggest that the first task of the special cell will be to study the climate
people in 13 districts across resilience of Mormugao, Salcete, Tiswadi and Bardez talukas and formulate
Assam. Assam government has dedicated action plans for them. Plan further mentioned that `1.1 crore would
issued warnings and instructions be needed for the cell to operate. While `465 crore would be required for the
over SMS and through TV to implementation of the SAPCC action plan for a decade, “which works out to be
alert people about the weather `46.5 crore per annum and amounts to approximately 0.22 per cent of the annual
conditions. budget and 0.050 per cent of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Goa”.

NEWSCAN BRIEFS
WEF report: India ranks 127 in Global

gender index
NEW DELHI: The World Economic The report said that for India, the per cent, Economic Participation and
Forum’s annual Gender Gap Report, 1.9 percentage point improvement Opportunity gap by 60.1 per cent,
2023 has ranked India at 127 out of 146 in the sex ratio at birth has driven and the Political Empowerment gap
countries in terms of gender parity- an up parity after more than a decade by 22.1 per cent.” Parity has advanced
improvement of eight places from last of slow progress. However, it also by only 4.1 percentage points since
year. According to the report, India has highlighted that for countries like the first edition of the report in 2006,
improved by 1.4 percentage points since Vietnam, Azerbaijan, India, and China- with the overall rate of change slowing
the previous edition, marking a partial the relatively low overall rankings on significantly. Closing the overall gender
recovery toward its 2020 parity level. It the Health and Survival sub-index are gap will require 131 years. At the
has attained parity in enrolment across explained by skewed sex ratios at birth. current rate of progress, it will take 169
all levels of education. “Compared to top scoring countries years for economic parity and 162 years
The report stated that India has that register a 94.4 per cent gender for political parity, the report stated.
closed 64.3 per cent of the overall parity at birth, the indicator stands “While there have been encouraging
gender gap. However, the country at 92.7 per cent for India (albeit an signs of recovery to pre-pandemic
has reached only 36.7 per cent improvement over last edition) and levels, women continue to bear the
parity in economic participation and below 90 per cent for Vietnam, China, brunt of the current cost of living crisis
opportunity. It has also pointed out that and Azerbaijan,” it said. and labour market disruptions,” said
the share of women in senior positions Overall, the report said gender Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director,
and technical roles has dropped slightly parity globally has recovered to pre- WEF. He further added, “An economic
since the last edition. Covid levels but the pace of change rebound requires the full power of
In terms of political empowerment, has stagnated as converging crises slow creativity and diverse ideas and skills.
India has achieved 25.3 per cent progress. While no country has yet We cannot afford to lose momentum on
parity, with women parliamentarians achieved full gender parity, the top nine women’s economic participation and
representing 15.1 per cent -which is countries have closed at least 80 per opportunity.”
the highest percentage for the country cent of their gap. The report also found The overall progress in 2023 is partly
since the first report in 2006. that the overall gender gap has closed due to the improvement in closing the
With available data since 2017, 18 out by 0.3 percentage point from last year. educational attainment gap, with 117
of 117 countries including Bolivia (50.4 The report stated, “For the 146 out of the 146 indexed countries now
per cent), India (44.4 per cent) and countries covered in the 2023 index, having closed at least 95 per cent of the
France (42.3 per cent) have achieved the Health and Survival gender gap. According to the index, Iceland
women’s representation of over 40 per gap has closed by 96 per cent, the has closed its gender gap by more than
cent in local governance. Educational Attainment gap by 95.2 90 per cent, making it the most gender-
equal nation in the world for the 14th
year in a row. While India’s neighboring
countries- Pakistan, Bangladesh, China,
Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan has been
ranked at 142, 59, 107, 116, 115 and 103
respectively.
The Global Gender Gap Report,
now in its 17th edition, benchmarks
the evolution of gender-based gaps in
four areas: economic participation and
opportunity; educational attainment;
health and survival; and political
empowerment. It is the longest-
standing index that tracks progress in
closing these gaps since its inception
in 2006. It also explores the impact of
recent global shocks on the gender gap
crisis in the labour market.

NEWSCAN
Centre approves `56,415 crore for

capital investment to 16 states
NEW DELHI: For the current financial
year 2023-24, the Ministry of Finance
Sl no. State Amount approved (`in cr)
has approved capital investment 1 Arunachal Pradesh 1255
proposals of `56,415 crore in 16 states. 2 West Bengal 7523
The approval has been given under the 3 Telangana 2102
‘Special Assistance to States for Capital 4 Tamil Nadu 4079
Investment 2023-24’ scheme.
The projects include diverse sectors
5 Sikkim 388
including education, health, irrigation, 6 Rajasthan 6026
power, water supply, infrastructure, 7 Odisha 4528
and railways. This scheme will also 8 Mizoram 399
provide funds for Jal Jeevan Mission 9 Madhya Pradesh 7850
and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
Yojana to enhance the pace of the
10 Karnataka 3647
projects in these sectors. 11 Himachal Pradesh 826
This scheme was announced in the 12 Haryana 1093
Union Budget 2023-24 in order to 13 Gujarat 3478
provide a boost to capital spending by 14 Goa 386
states- in view of a higher multiplier
effect of capital expenditure. The
15 Chhattisgarh 3195
scheme also provides special assistance 16 Bihar 9640
to the state governments-a 50-year
interest-free loan up to an overall cost
of `1.3 lakh crore during the financial
year 2023-24.
The scheme has seven parts. Part
I has the largest allocation of funds-
` one lakh crore. This amount has been
allocated amongst states in proportion
to their share of central taxes and duties for making urban local bodies credit- ‘Special Assistance to States for
as per the 15th Finance Commission. worthy and to improve their finances. Capital Investment for 2022-23’- a
Other parts of the scheme are either Part V aims at increasing the housing similar scheme was also implemented
linked to reforms or are for sector- stock for police personnel and their by the Ministry of Finance in the last
specific projects. families within the police stations in financial year. Under the scheme,
In Part–II of the scheme, an amount urban areas. An amount of `2,000 crore capital investment proposals of
of `3,000 crore has been set aside for is earmarked for this purpose. `95,147.19 crore were approved and
providing incentives to states for the Part VI of the scheme is to promote an amount of `81,195.35 crore was
scrapping of state government vehicles national integration, carry forward the released to the states in the last FY
and ambulances, waiver of liabilities on concept of “Make in India” and also 2022-23.
old vehicles, providing tax concessions promote the concept of “One District, The Ministry of Finance first
to individuals for scrapping of old One Product (ODOP)” through the implemented the scheme for financial
vehicles and setting up of automated construction of Unity Mall in each aid to states for capital investment/
vehicle testing facilities. state. An amount of `5,000 crore has expenditure in 2020–21 in response
Parts–III and IV of the scheme been set aside for this purpose. to the COVID–19 pandemic, and it
aimed at providing incentives to states Part VII of the scheme, with an has provided a very timely boost to the
for reforms in urban planning and allocation of `5,000 crore is for states’ capital spending. Chief Ministers
urban finance. An amount of `15,000 providing financial assistance to states and Finance Ministers of states have
crore is earmarked for Urban Planning for setting up libraries with digital praised the scheme’s flexibility and
Reforms, while an additional `5,000 infrastructure at Panchayat and Ward simplicity during successive pre-budget
crore is for incentivising the states level for children. meetings.

COVER STORY
Climate Actions & G20
WELL-POSITIONED TO
Climate change poses a serious threat to our collective future. The G20, as the
group of the most influential nations, has the power to steer the direction of
our growth and development and build a safe and resilient world. Since cities
contribute the most to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, G20 nations need to
kickstart their clean-up efforts within their urban centres. The role of the U20
engagement group and the collective efforts of cities in G20 nations are vital
in mitigating and adapting to the challenges of a warming planet

their cities. Consider the recent data: (CBDR) and climate equity comes into
the top ten emitters in the world, play. However, this does not mean any
excluding Iran, are G20 member country can ignore the threat and shirk
nations, accounting for nearly 70 to 80 its responsibility. Climate equity calls
per cent of total emissions. Out of this, for a fair distribution of the burdens and
approximately 80 per cent of emissions benefits of climate action, considering
originate from cities within these historical emissions, economic capacity,
countries. and social vulnerability. Countries
Given their substantial share with technology and resources must
Abhishek Pandey of global wealth, the G20 nations honour their commitment to providing
Editor are well-positioned to address this financial and technological support to
challenge. They have the necessary less advanced nations for mitigation
financial resources to invest in curbing and adaptation. Progress is being made,
temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. but the pace must be significantly
Moreover, many countries in the accelerated. Each G20 country has a
group, including Indonesia, India, and unique role to play in achieving climate
A
several European Union nations, are equity. Some countries must focus
vulnerable to the impacts of climate on energy transition, while others
change. Hence, they must focus on must prioritize forest preservation
mitigation and adaptation to evade and implement sustainable land-use
impending dangers. practices. Yet, others need to address
India features among the top three energy access challenges.
emitters, following China and the USA. The U20 engagement group can
However, India’s per capita emissions intensify efforts by fostering strong
As the world grapples with the urgent and its share in historical emissions are engagement from cities in member
need to address climate change, G20 comparatively low. Let’s compare the nations. Municipalities can establish
countries find themselves at the latest per capita annual CO2 emissions. their ambitious climate targets, such
forefront of this mammoth challenge. The USA stands at 15.9t, while India’s as reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
Many countries in the group have emissions are at 8.7t and historic increasing renewable energy use, or
already begun taking corrective emissions at 2.2t (refer to the graph for improving energy efficiency. By leading
measures, implementing innovative per capita emissions among the top 10 by example, they inspire other cities
green infrastructure projects, increasing countries from 2001 to 2020). The ideal to follow suit and create a domino
investments to boost renewable energy situation would be for every country to effect of climate action. The U20
generation, and setting ambitious achieve net-zero emissions. However, platform should also be utilized for
sustainability targets. On the global this is not feasible in the near future, sharing best practices and providing
stage, G20 nations are highlighting as many countries are still in the early technical assistance to other cities,
initiatives, partnerships, and strategies stages of industrialization, particularly accelerating their transition towards
that have the potential to reshape the in Africa and Asia, and lack access to more sustainable urban development.
path towards a sustainable future. modern technology and resources. Cities needing assistance should
G20 nations must accelerate their Hence, the consideration of Common proactively engage with international
climate actions, particularly within But Differentiated Responsibilities platforms, such as the Global Covenant
of Mayors for Climate and Energy, to
CO2 Emission (tonnes) showcase their climate initiatives, learn
from others, and advocate for increased
support and resources for global climate
action. If cities in the South Asia region
require assistance, they can contact
AIILSG for support.
Cities in G20 countries play a critical
role in shaping the global response to
climate change. The time for climate
action is now, and taking action at the
local level will yield fruitful results.
The U20 must seize this opportunity
to make a lasting positive impact on
our planet.

LEADERSPEAK
Circular Economy
From Trash to Treasure: Cities leading the

circular revolution in G20 countries
concept of optimal resource efficiency
Ranjit S Chavan should be put in place first.
G
President, AIILSG One can find towering mountains of
trash and endless streams of discarded
products in most cities. The issue of
legacy waste has been handled by cities
slowly but steadily. Some cities like
Indore have shown the way. I am sure
that cities will sort this issue soon by
using technology and modern methods
The traditional way of G20 is undoubtedly the most powerful of managing solid waste.
living in India with regard group of nations, and it makes U20 one The important issue at hand is that
of the most influential advocates of city cities do not create or add to the existing
to the consumption of initiatives. It is a matter of pride that mountains of garbage. As cities still
resources had never Ahmedabad is hosting the U20 Mayoral grapple with the consequences of rapid
been linear. We did not Summit this year. Cities in India are urbanisation and consumerism, they
use and discard things. undergoing transformation through must learn from their mistakes. Cities
various missions and schemes of the can do this by transforming them into
We used, reused, and Government of India and also through circular beacons of sustainability.
repurposed things for the initiatives taken by the state and
maximum utilisation. local governments. A revolution is CITIZEN CHOICES,
Indian civilization
underway, especially in managing and MINIMALISM AND
handling waste in cities and towns. CIRCULARITY
has always revered The initiatives are reshaping the way The concept of the circular economy,
nature, recognised the Indian cities and towns view waste and which simply aims to keep resources in
resources. U20 Ahmedabad can become use for as long as possible and extract
interconnectedness of all a platform to expedite the collective maximum value from them, has gained
living beings, and utilised efforts to promote a circular economy remarkable traction in recent years.
resources mindfully. Our and optimal waste utilisation. At its core lies the belief that waste is
city systems must learn According to the publication titled not an endpoint but rather a potential
‘Towards a more resource-efficient resource waiting to be harnessed. It
from the ancient culture and circular economy: The role of the flips our linear “take-make-dispose”
of resource utilisation and G20’, G20 countries contribute to an model on its head, replacing it with a
also adapt to modern important share of past and projected regenerative system that emphasises
materials use and have a key role to reuse, recycling, and regeneration.
creative initiatives in other play in improving resource efficiency This concept is not new to India or,
urban centers globally and advancing to a more circular for that matter, many civilizations.
economy. Comprising 60 per cent of Talking about our traditional lifestyle,
the world’s population, 80per cent of the Indian Vedic system also promoted a
the world GDP, and 75per cent of global minimalist, sustainable living style and
trade, G20 countries are estimated not the accumulation of excessive stuff.
to contribute to 75per cent of global We can significantly reduce the use of
material use. In 2020, the domestic natural resources if citizens voluntarily
material consumption of G20 countries make amendments in their lifestyle.
made up approximately 80 Gt. It is also The Government of India has been
true that a majority of these resources promoting the idea through its Mission
are being used in urban centers. Cities LiFE. It is a mass movement towards
will be the best places where the an environmentally conscious lifestyle.

The underlying concept behind this Government institutions and ULBs Amsterdam Circular
is—Mindful and Deliberate Utilization, are also introducing policies that Strategy 2020-2025
instead of Mindless and Destructive reduce the usage of natural resources. Amsterdam, a city known for its
Consumption. The European Commission has recently picturesque canals and progressive
One of the fundamental concepts announced that one common charging mindset, has embarked on a mission
found in Vedic philosophy is the idea solution for all. By 2024, a common to become a fully circular city by
of “aparigraha” or non-accumulation. It charger will be mandatory for all new 2050. Through a combination of bold
encourages individuals to lead a life free portable electronic devices in the policies, public-private partnerships,
from excessive possessions and waste, European Union member countries, and community engagement,
promoting a sense of contentment such as mobile phones, tablets, digital Amsterdam has reimagined waste as a
and balance. By adopting a minimalist cameras, or e-readers. valuable resource. Waste streams are
lifestyle and focusing on what is truly The deadline for laptops is 2026, carefully segregated and transformed
essential, we can reduce our ecological making piling up bundles of cables a into new products, while innovative
footprint and minimise the strain on thing of the past. Such a policy will business models encourage sharing
Earth’s finite resources. Minimalistic promote the use of common chargers and circular consumption. The city has
living—minimalism—has become for mobile phones and other portable also embraced circular procurement
a lifestyle choice in many countries electronic devices. Other countries can practices, which involve prioritising the
these days, and more and more people also introduce such policies to reduce purchase of goods and services that are
are joining the trend to declutter their wastage, unnecessary consumption designed for durability, repairability,
lives. Adopting a minimalist approach of natural resources, save money for and reuse. The city actively engages with
means embracing a mindset where only consumers, and enhance convenience. suppliers, promoting the use of recycled
purposeful items are used. It involves materials and demanding extended
simplifying life and possessing only the URBAN EFFORTS producer responsibility. By stimulating
essentials necessary for daily routines. IN PROMOTING circular design and production,
CIRCULARITY Amsterdam reduces waste generation
Cities across the world are embracing and stimulates the development of a
the concept of the circular economy to circular economy.
G20 countries contribute tackle the mounting challenges of solid
to an important share waste generation, resource crunch, and San Francisco’s
usage efficiency. Zero Waste Goal
of past and projected Nowhere is the potential of the circular The city has emerged as an inspiration
materials use and economy more apparent than in the for sustainability in the United
have a key role to play cities of the G20, an influential group States. The city’s ambitious zero
of nations that account for the lion’s waste goal has spurred a remarkable
in improving resource share of global resource consumption transformation, with recycling and
efficiency and advancing and waste generation, as mentioned composting becoming second nature to
to a more circular earlier in this article. These cities, its residents. Through a combination of
with their immense populations and strict regulations, education campaigns,
economy. Comprising 60 diverse economies, have become the and the pioneering efforts of local
per cent of the world’s testing grounds for innovative solutions entrepreneurs, San Francisco has
population, 80 per cent that marry economic growth with shown that waste management can be a
environmental stewardship. catalyst for social and economic change.
of the world GDP, and Indian cities like Delhi, Panaji, Pune,
75 per cent of global Chennai, and many others are using Copenhagen, Denmark
trade, G20 countries are innovative ways to improve resource District Heating
efficiency. Some of the cities have Copenhagen has implemented an
estimated to contribute Material Recovery Facilities, some are extensive district heating system that
to 75 per cent of global using mobile applications to encourage harnesses waste heat generated by
material use. In 2020, citizens to give their unused items at various sources, such as power plants
home, and some others are using waste and industrial facilities. Urban centers
the domestic material in Waste to Energy plants. Not just in around the world are embracing the
consumption of G20 India, it is happening in many cities circular economy as a means to tackle
countries made up in G20 countries and beyond. Cities in the pressing challenges of waste
the G20 groups must forge strong city- management and resource scarcity.
approximately 80 Gt to-city relationships to learn from their They are fostering innovation, creating
peers and adopt what suits them best. jobs, and enhancing the quality of life.

ARTICLE
Non-motorised Transport
Can we walk and cycle in our cities?

group, but few cities from the
developed countries have set examples
A - especially as a response to the active

lifestyle changes during COVID-19
pandemic. Paris announced a USD
271 million fund to improve its urban
bicycle infrastructure by 2026, as per
a report published in the European
Cyclists’ Federation. As part of its ‘NYC
About five in every 10 people walk Streets Plan’, New York announced a
or cycle daily to work in urban India. USD 900 million fund for a period of
Overall, a significant number of people five years to improve the walking and
use non-motorised transport (NMT) cycling infrastructure in the city.
modes, mostly walking and cycling for The development of NMT
A significant number daily commutes. This holds true for infrastructure is mostly at the discretion
many urban areas of the G20 countries. of respective Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
of people use non- Figure 1 shows the distribution of NMT or local governments but often, it is
motorised transport modal shares in cities across developed not a top priority for the city, and thus
(NMT) modes, mostly and developing countries of the G20 limited budgets are allocated for the
group. Many cities such as Paris, Delhi, same. This trend is even more evident
walking and cycling for and Barcelona have an NMT modal in cities of developing countries, where
daily commutes in urban share of more than 40 per cent. The investment in NMT infrastructure
India. This holds true for figure also highlights the high usage of remains disproportionately low.
public transport (PT) across the urban Several financing instruments can be
many urban areas of the areas of G20. Evidence also suggests used to realign the development of
G20 countries. Cities need that walking (or in some cases cycling) NMT infrastructure.
to ensure better funding is one of the main last-mile connecting First, leverage climate finance as
mechanisms for non- modes to public transport. a kick start mechanism. The United
A World Health Organisation Nations Framework Convention on
motorised transport and (WHO) report published in 2018 states Climate Change (UNFCCC) defines
make it a top-priority that globally, about one in every four climate finance as “new and additional
lives lost is of an NMT road user. There financial resources by developed
is also a rise in motorisation rates and countries to developing countries
per capita income in cities and thus so that they can meet the full and
consequently, the share of NMT in incremental costs of climate change”.
our cities has gradually declined. The Climate financing in the sustainable
unsafe walking and cycling conditions mobility domain is slowly gaining
can be attributed to the missing NMT recognition. About 28 per cent of
infrastructure, which often receives the global climate finance for the
limited investment compared to period 2019-20 flowed towards low-
motorised modes of transport due to carbon transport development, up
lack of political will and inadequate from 24 per cent in 2017-18 (Climate
funding mechanisms. This leads to Policy Initiative, 2021). Though NMT
a ‘keep building’ momentum for infrastructure is not fund intensive,
motorised transport only. The majority cities can still consider climate funds/
of existing infrastructure spending grants, such as Clean Technology Fund,
goes on developing roads, flyovers, and Green Climate Fund, ADB Climate
Samradh Singh Chauhan municipal services such as drainage, Change Fund, as a source of financing.
Research Analyst, CEEW
waste management, and lighting. However, the ULBs face challenges in
Sourav Dhar The funding provisions for NMT utilising such climate funding sources
Programme Lead, CEEW infrastructure vary across the G20 due to capacity constraints (UNFCCC,

2019), but a few cities have paved Figure1: Modal shares of NMT across urban areas of G20
the way ahead. For instance, Mysuru
in India leveraged climate finance
to develop a Public Bicycle Sharing
(PBS) system at a city scale. Four
Argentine cities were assisted by Global
Environment Facility to develop cycle
lanes and PBS system.
Second, guidance through policy
mechanisms and providing national
budgets. ULBs or city municipalities
in developing countries are often
financially constrained and require
both monetary and planning resources
for the development of NMT
Source: Modal shares as reported by the cities between 2015-20 (Deloitte City Mobility Index,
TUMI, Statistics Canada, Cornell University, UNESCAP)
Environmental cess on infrastructure. The central government NMT fund. Such taxes and cess are
property tax, cess on ministries associated with urban currently being used in a few Indian
transportation can allocate annual cities for creating a dedicated urban
motor vehicle tax, cess on
budgets for improving infrastructure transport fund. It is necessary to
fuel, and parking charges at a national level. For instance, the earmark substantial clearly defined
are some possible sources US’s USD 5 billion programme on ‘Safe budgets for NMT infrastructure under
Streets and Roads for All’ will provide the ‘Transport’ head. Urban transport
for the dedicated NMT
grants for cities to promote safe and fund in Karnataka is mobilised from
fund. Such taxes and equitable street development, as per US three sources – 1 per cent cess on
cess are currently being Department of Transportation, 2021. motor vehicle tax (MVT), 2 per cent
The UK’s ‘Active Travel England’ will cess on property tax, and budgetary
used in a few Indian cities
provide USD 217 million for its cities to support from the state government.
for creating a dedicated improve NMT infrastructure. However, The state also set up a society called
urban transport fund. It in the case of developing countries, Karnataka Non-Motorised Transport
there will be additional assistance Agency (KNMTA) in 2018, the only
is necessary to earmark
required in terms of local capacity government agency in India established
substantial clearly building to plan, develop and maintain to boost the NMT infrastructure. The
defined budgets for NMT NMT infrastructure. Recently, the KNMTA is provided with a continuous
Indian government launched ‘Cycles flow of funds from the urban transport
infrastructure under
for Change’ as part of its Smart Cities fund to develop and maintain NMT
the ‘Transport’ head. Mission under the Ministry of Housing infrastructure. Similarly, ULBs can
Karnataka state in India’s and Urban Affairs. Over 100 smart create in-house NMT cells that can
cities across the country took part in maintain a dedicated citywide NMT
urban transport fund
the challenge. There were pilots and fund. This year’s U20 communique can
is mobilised from three scale-up phases in the challenge, and highlight similar financing strategies
sources – 1 per cent cess 11 cities were awarded with funding for developing countries part of G20
support for creating the necessary and it can even act as a template for
on motor vehicle tax
cycling infrastructure, as per Institute other non-G20 developing countries
(MVT), 2 per cent cess for Transportation and Development of the world. Low-carbon mobility
on property tax, and Policy (ITDP) 2023. is an agenda to be driven across the
Third, have a sustenance mechanism globe in order to achieve sustainable
budgetary support from
for dedicated NMT funds from city development outcomes and net zero in
the state government taxes. Environmental cess on property the urban transport sector.
tax, cess on motor vehicle tax, cess on
fuel, and parking charges are some [The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not
possible sources for the dedicated purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

ARTICLE
Women & Urban Transport
Free transport for women to improve their

safety in Delhi: Examining evidences
10 per cent identifying as working in
the informal sector or as daily wage
I workers. For women earning less than

`10,000 per month, the predominant
travel purposes were for leisure and
religious purposes, indicating irregular
use. For women earning `1,000–
20,000 per month, 40 per cent of the
respondents used it for work purposes.
In October 2019, Delhi announced The Urban Catalysts conducted
fare-free transport for women on all research and focused on 800 women
buses in the city. After one month, it workers in the informal economy who
Women’s safety in bus- was reported that women’s ridership travelled by bus and paratransit. These
based transport in Delhi on buses had increased to 40 per cent were interviews with women domestic
could be addressed of the daily ridership. Soon after, workers, street vendors, construction
multiple cities and state governments workers, waste pickers, and others
with more focused implemented this policy measure. residing in urban villages, resettlement
interventions than the The city of Chennai offers fare-free colonies and informal settlements
fare-free transport transport on ordinary buses. The Punjab across Delhi, followed up with semi-
government also introduced fare-free structured interviews. The contours
scheme. This is relevant
travel for women in government buses of our findings revealed some of the
in the context of in 2021 across the state. Preliminary challenges regarding the fare-free bus
centering evidence to anecdotal evidence states that it has transport scheme. The socio-economic
reinvent urban transport helped women in peri-urban and rural data revealed the following:
areas access educational and other ♦ 87 per cent were in the age group of
planning frameworks opportunities in towns and cities. The 18–49 years.
to mainstream gender government of Uttar Pradesh has also ♦ 96 per cent identified as married,
equity announced that it will introduce fare with 1.83 earning members in the
free travel for women above 60 years in household.
government buses. ♦ Around 74 per cent of women
There is anecdotal evidence on identified as belonging to the
how fare-free transport has benefited Scheduled Castes (45 per cent) and
women, but the question remains Other Backward Classes (29 per
whether it has improved women’s cent).
safety or whether measures focused on ♦ 93 per cent of the women had an
safety should have been implemented. education up to the 10th grade,
Further, where bus-based transport is with 65 per cent identifying as not
underprovided in a city like Delhi, to literate.
what extent does fare-free transport ♦ 56 per cent identified as regular
benefit resource-poor women, in salaried employees, 18 per cent
particular? with irregular employment, and 21
A research conducted in January per cent as own-account workers.
2022, included a sample survey of 1,525 ♦ All the women in this sample had
women, which indicated that the fare- an Aadhaar card and 88 per cent
free transport scheme had initiated a had a personal bank account.
mode shift to buses. However, 81 per ♦ Their individual median incomes
Sonal Shah cent of the sample had a graduate or were `6,000, with 60 per cent of
Founder of The Urban Catalysts post-graduate degree, with less than the women earning between `5,000

Trip mode and travel by time of day
and `7,499 per month. 11 am and 12 pm and 2 pm and 3 pm, Right after the implementation of the
♦ Around 10 per cent of the women and 60 per cent of these trips were by scheme, women’s share was reported to
had access to a personal or shared shared paratransit. This may be due to have increased to 40-44 per cent and
smart phone. the urgency of reaching the workplace, seems to have stabilised to 33 per cent
These women travelled primarily for whereas the evening travel may reflect in 2022-23.
work (99 per cent of trips) and were the return journey back home. The city of Delhi currently has
bus users. Around 81 per cent of their Close to a quarter of resource-poor around 7,000 buses, which are
work trips were by bus, with 93 per women reported waiting more than 10 inadequate to serve the needs of its
cent walking to and from the bus stops. minutes for a bus. When asked about population and require 10,000–12,000
However, 19 per cent of their travel was the next preferred mode of transport, buses. Currently, Delhi does not have
by shared paratransit. Resource poor an overwhelming 86 per cent of women adequate bus services for frequent,
women’s peak hour travel was between preferred paratransit, and waiting time reliable service. They do not permit
and availability of service emerged street vendors or waste pickers, and bus
as key parameters, as 70 per cent routes and schedules are not aligned
Women’s and girls’ safety reported waiting less than 5 minutes with resource-poor women’s peak
could be directly improved for paratransit compared to 42 per cent hour travel.
for buses. The three major concerns Women’s and girls’ safety could be
by implementing key for resource-poor women were that directly improved by implementing
strategies such as the buses did not halt for women, reserved key strategies such as the draft Action
draft Action Plan to seats were not enforced, and there was Plan to strengthen the bus marshals
an unavailability or poor frequency of scheme, front women-only doors,
strengthen the bus bus services. The concern about buses enforcing reserved seats or the front
marshals scheme, front not halting for female passengers was part of the bus for women, girls, and
women-only doors, attributed to the fare-free transport for senior citizens, a SMS-based system
women. A female street vendor said, for real-time arrival of bus services,
enforcing reserved seats “Bus drivers don’t allow us to board the and strengthening grievance redress
or the front part of the bus with our bundles. He doesn’t even mechanisms. A mobility subsidy
bus for women, girls, stop the bus for us. We have to go very targeted at resource-poor women
early in the morning because the buses should be considered in partnership
and senior citizens, a remain vacant in the morning. That with their representative organisations
SMS-based system is why we get seats. If we get late and in the transition to providing safe,
for real-time arrival try to take a bus after 12 pm, the bus frequent, and reliable bus services.
drivers won’t allow us to board. Bus These could go a long way in improving
of bus services, and drivers don’t allow us to board buses for the experience and perception of safety
strengthening grievance long distances.” and addressing the mobility inequity
redress mechanisms Women’s ridership has consistently for women informal workers in Delhi.
increased from 21 per cent (2011) to
29 per cent (2019) before the fare- [The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not
free transport scheme was launched. purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

ARTICLE
Built-heritage
Mainstreaming heritage & urban informalities:

Re-looking people’s agendas in planning
informalities, is what has kept them
alive despite high land rates and rising
B population densities. It would remain

safe if its connection with people and
living systems was maintained. Stories
around them, customs, and the local
histories keep them safe and intact.
Their walls and minarets remain
Built Heritage in Built heritage in the developed world intact because they still belong to their
developing and G20 stands alone. It is separated from the Kings, Lords, Saints, Gods, and sufis.
people. While planning is trying to Urban villages are also part of people’s
countries is looked at define the new world from the world of heritage. They contain communities
within the boundaries informalities, heritage is actively being and living systems that are heritage of
of architecture. The land isolated, without realising that isolation the new urbanised worlds. Almost all of
specificity of heritage is disconnected, and a disconnected them are repositories of local culture.
mass of buildings could perish more To protect the built heritage, we must
and its identification as easily than one that connects with also protect the people who feel a sense
built reduce the focus people or one that is an extension of of belonging to it.
on the people’s agenda people’s lives. Heritage cannot thus
and overlook a vital link
ever be separated from people. HERITAGE URBAN
Built-heritage is never stand-alone. VILLAGES IN EUROPE
that created it and kept it It has people who are descendants AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
alive. With organisations of that age. They are living along or Over the past century, there have
around it. The practise of trades, crafts, been unprecedented changes in the
working on urban economies, social structures, dialects, urban environment with globalisation,
archaeology and heritage and formalised and non-formalised rapid urban developments, and
building delineation, knowledge systems are all present demographic universalisation. The
their isolation, no-use, in the communities around them. rural areas are either getting converted
Oral histories, as opposed to verified into urban villages or imitating the
and non-inclusivity knowledge and accepted academic urban. This is a concept that is gaining
in the urban agenda or political history, and stories of prominence across Australia, the
are outcomes that happenings, of families, of people, of United Kingdom, Western Europe,
national events, and intangible maps and much of the developed world. The
lead to what we see of areas, exist in the lives of people. rural population is migrating to cities
in the disconnects of This mass of communities, often called in the hope of getting a better standard
urbanisation today informalities or urban villages in the of living. However, the conception and
context of modern life, needs to be perception of urban villages are very
recognised as essential extensions of different in the context of a developing
the built environment. Heritage needs country like India. Urban villages in
Anand Khatri
Founder Director UVCT to be viewed through the lens of people Indian cities are urbanised villages, that
Prof at AIT SAP to keep it alive, not just as a building or is, original villages that have conformed
as architectural or structural systems. themselves to the urbanisation around
Mrinalini Singh People’s heritage is inclusive of the built them. In India, they exist as pockets of
Researcher UVCT
environment and the communities old villages that have gotten cramped
Assistant Prof AIT SAP
that carry the living linkages down the among the rapidly rising cities around
Atri Mishra generations. them; in certain western countries,
Researcher UVCT It is important to understand that they exist as downtowns and heritage
Assistant Prof AIT SAP the heritage of cities, engulfed by neighbourhoods.

Built heritage in such areas is part the institutions. With the recognition the Shamsi Talab, which is next to
of the resident’s sense of place. Even and strong identification of the people the Jharna. Symbolically, a water
though it is often taken for granted by with their character, the complete source is the starting point of an urban
the citizens, it is in the subconscious settlement is woven as one. There are settlement. The end is marked by
of people living there and provides a not many built heritage landmarks, but important heritage structures, like the
daily sense of belonging and security. there is an essence of completeness Yogmaya Mandir, the wall of Qila Lal
The residents quickly notice any major because the community, the built Kot, the wall of Qutab Complex, St.
change in their built environment, and environment, and the sea port co-exist. John’s Church, and Adam Khan’s Tomb,
they protect it, work with it, and go This was done because the complete as well as important civic institutions
along with it. In many cases, it becomes zone was put under one integrated such as the Bus Terminal and the Tehsil
part of their economic cycle. plan, and the plan comprised not just headquarters.
Built heritage is a tangible the people and the built environment
manifestation of the town’s epitome of but also the natural heritage, flora, Heritage, Urban Informalities,
architectural identity and an expression and fauna. So the conservation outline and Schemes in India
of the town’s people’s cultural heritage. is successful in keeping the essence Cities are the result of the layering and
They link the history and culture of the intact. Such a holistic approach has intertwining of cultural and natural
nation and particular towns. Very often, kept the balance of cuisines, lifestyles, values over time, including the broader
the built heritage provides a suitable property outlines, road character, and urban context and its geographical
background, or home, for the cultural old urban footprints alive in the lives of setting. India is home to one of the
life of a town. Local histories, names of the visitors. If the guidelines had been a oldest civilizations in the world, and
places, products, and businesses are all built-in approach, then this would have most of the Indian cities are enriched
woven around their identities. Many been lost. with multiple layers of history. Though
studies reveal that a continued sense of Another example of a community- India is progressing and evolving
community in the vicinity gives a sense driven approach is the Phool Walon with the rest of the world, we cannot
of belonging to the residents. Their Ki Sair festival in Mehrauli, which forget our deep historical roots; hence,
sense of ownership is better, and they is primarily an urban village with developing a scheme that helps create a
have better wellbeing than in the new numerous built heritages in and around bridge between our past and future is a
urban anonymity. the village area. Phool Walon Ki Sair is must. Over the years, the government
Built environment contributes highly an anchor of community expression has brought in schemes for urban
to the way people interact with society as and a representation of the settlement’s development and modernization. The
well as the way they perceive spaces and mythology; the intervention idea Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal
that heritage is able to influence both was based on the route of the festival Mission scheme launched in 2005
psychological aspects of individuals procession. This route ties together (for a period up to 2012), the Smart
in an urban development. There has the most important monuments in City Mission (2015), and the Pradhan
been for some time a requirement for Mehrauli. It is noteworthy that the Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)—
situating heritage conservation work, festival of Phool Walon Ki Sair is still Housing for All (2015) are some of
especially that relating to monuments celebrated every year in Mehrauli. As the notable initiatives. Although these
in urban villages, effectively within the described by an anthropologist who has initiatives have shown progress, they
community where such monuments been living in Mehrauli for the last nine have not been able to transform the
are sited and enveloped by the growing years, “Phool Walon Ki Sair is a festival liveability of Indian cities in a hasty
urban fabric. Such work is ideally to be unique to the extent that practises and manner. Important reforms visualised
so directed that the local community is agents, which often remain separate, under JNURRM, like the enactment
the primary driver of the efforts on the are combined. Phool Walon Ki Sair is of the community participation law,
ground, thus becoming in due course an event that combines both: it is a transfer of water supply, city planning
the prime mover for maintenance and civil society effort (the Anjuman and functions, reform in rent control, etc.,
conservation of the assets so created. its organisational contribution) that have been implemented only patchily
One such unique example of this is invites the participation of the state by the States.
Fort Kochi and the spice market with and addresses and involves others from Understanding the importance of
the historic synagogue. People have a wider public. In a sense, then, this culture and heritage, schemes focusing
been living next to the shipping port. appears to be a practical realisation of on improving the built heritage of
Despite the low built heritage, the a democratic process that creates a set the country were also introduced by
people and the people’s heritage are of participatory publics, each involved the government, namely HRIDAY
interwoven. It is perfectly blended with in the individual expression, reception, (Heritage City Development and
religion and the trading communities in and representation of a significant Augmentation Yojana), PRASAD
the region. The essence of the building message, in communal harmony. (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual
survives through the living trades and The festival procession starts from Augmentation Drive), AMRUT (Atal

Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban mistaken as an expendable resource
Transformation), launched in 2015, and as administrators look for ways to
Swacch Iconic Places under Swacch tighten their budgets. They are far
Bharat Mission, launched in 2016, from expendable; initiatives using the
and Adopt a Heritage Scheme in 2018, two have often assumed key roles in
which majorly focused on improving the boosting local economies, renewing
physical infrastructure of the Heritage urban areas in decay, and promoting
Precincincincincincincts to make them the type of active citizen whose pride
more visitor-friendly. It is the need of and self-esteem are an asset to any
the hour to look at heritage through community. Committing to these
the eyes of people. Comprehensive activities as an economic and social
heritage zone guidelines, in place of strategy is a smart form of investment
schemes that are too micro in focus, for a nation-state. The regeneration
must be adopted across to preserve of human settlements is at the core of
the overall variety of urbanisation, lest India’s future. It is part of a long-term
cultural learning dies to commonalities strategy where business, technology,
across geographies. and heritage interact with one another.
Based on the above notion one such
Mainstreaming People in the initiative was formulated by Aga Khan Heritage Property that coordinates
Heritage Agenda Trust for Culture for the project Urban across agencies and institutions in
Heritage sites and buildings can have Renewal of Nizammudin Basti. The relevant sectors, including heritage
a positive influence on many aspects project focused on the conservation, conservation, urban development,
of the way a community develops. cultural revival, environmental regional development, infrastructure
Regeneration, housing, education, development, urban planning, development, transport, tourism,
economic growth, and community education, livelihoods, and Health of energy, waste, water, and housing
engagement are examples of the ways the people of Nizammudin Basti. The authorities as well. Its coordination
in which heritage can make a positive project provided a platform for Arts role should include everything from
contribution to community life. The and Culture by creating an event called legal frameworks and regulations to
historic environment is a proven APNI BASTI MELA which showcases development plans and projects.
source of benefit to local economies, the cultural identity of the Basti,
particularly through tourism. An construction of community toilets, Discussions through Cases
attractive heritage environment assists development of neighbourhood parks South-West Asian Countries are full of
in attracting external investment as which created a community interface, examples of how a built heritage and
well as maintaining existing businesses Creating several self-help groups, and people have coexisted
of all types, not just tourism-related providing free education to the children
ones. People are proud of their local of the Basti are few of the highlights of Religious heritage and people:
history, but they don’t always express this project. Kumbh
how much they value a place until it’s “Reviving history, rebuilding Kumbh is one of the biggest examples
threatened. Because it adds character communities” The Trust’s support to of a religious festival that is part of our
and distinctiveness to an area, heritage historic communities demonstrates heritage. It has preserved communities,
is fundamental to creating a ‘sense of how conservation and revitalisation of the cultural focus of people, and the
place’ for a community. The heritage the cultural heritage - in many cases lives of many riverside dwelling villages
places are excellent local educational the only asset at the disposal of the and clans. Culture and architecture in
resources for people of all ages. Learning community - can provide a springboard a place have evolved in harmony with
about the history of a place is a good for social development. The argument each other. Heritage and heritage
way of bringing communities together through these examples summarize gatherings have been lying undiscussed
through a shared understanding of the that as a focus of the G20 U20 summit, in the memory of our societies.
unique cultural identity heritage places the mainstreaming of people’s agenda Their values need not be told. They
give to an area. Areas where heritage should carry the Heritage dialogue. It become a traditional continuity, ever
is understood and valued tend to be has been proven piecemeal through the changing, adopting, and absorbing
better looked after than those where discussion of select examples. the new realities of time. Traditions
heritage items have no link with the keep cultures alive through genetic
community. Such links help foster Heritage Laws within time memory. Place and people, when
civic responsibility and citizenship and Urbanisation they intermingle with memory over
contribute to everyone’s quality of life. Establish a governance structure or time, create overlapping layers of
‘Culture’ and ‘heritage ‘are often management system for the World traditions. Thus, cultural traditions

Apni Basti Mela 2015 in Heritage Zone 3, Dargah Bazaar living, and indeed visiting. Such
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture Precinct, partial underground wiring regeneration represents an opportunity
was done. Street lightings were put up for conservation and development to
by the Ajmer Municipal Corporation, work together to transform the built
but they did not consult with the local environment and public realm for the
stakeholders as most of them were communities that live and work there.
against it, and ultimately they were Indeed, it is only by all sides working
removed as they hindered the huge together and being prepared to seek
influx of footfall the Daragh Bazaar pragmatic and creative solutions that
Street gets, wasting huge amounts of balance new uses with the need for
money, first for placing the street lights conservation that we can turn heritage
and then for removing them. Hence, into a positive advantage for everyone.
making it important for everyone to The new cities cannot be explored
understand the involvement of various just on account of the availability
stakeholders at every planning stage is of land and resources. Government
essential for any project to succeed. support, systems, aid, and policies are
not enough. Private sector participation
WAY FORWARD: A has economic limitations considering
are functions of space, time, and mind. HOLISTIC APPROACH cost-efficiency. The citizens are more
Despite Kumbh getting a focus through Heritage and the informalities that watchful and alert nowadays. They
the delineation of the river Riparian surround it must form a composite expect good governance, ease of traffic
buffer and outline for its purpose, its focus in planning policy. Over recent flow, and public amenities. The people
overall focus in the master plan or years, as the regeneration and renewal not only require parks, amusements,
facilitation of other natural geographic of our town and city centres have entertainment, and shopping malls but
Pradakshinas is missing in master plans gathered pace, it has been noticeable also need attachment and love for the
of cities. They are yet to be intrinsic to that careful integration of historic city and should feel like they belong to
planning policy. buildings and areas has played an it.
increasingly important and successful Addressing continuity needs requires
The Case of Ajmer Shrarif role in major regeneration schemes improved management of change
Ajmer Sharif hosts the six-day annual and in creating significant benefits to mitigate the potential negative
festival of Urs, commemorating the for local economies and communities. impacts on the heritage economy and
death anniversary of the Sufi saint An increasingly fuller understanding enhance the significance of the people’s
Moinuddin Chisti. It’s a huge cultural of how places change and how such continuity in the historic urban
event in Ajmer; devotees and pilgrims buildings can present an opportunity to environment. To do this, the people’s
from all over the world come to pay create a development that adds to urban and built values of the city need to
their respects during the festival of character and distinctiveness. This is be identified in relation to heritage
Urs. Hence, the Ajmer Sharif and now seen as fundamental to successful mechanisms for their protection,
Dargah Bazaar area is one of the urban and sustainable regeneration. Using management, establishment, and
spaces where many schemes are being the historic environment as an asset integration into the overall planning
implemented with the vision “To and giving it new life has been one of framework. If dealt with adequately,
develop Ajmer as a global religious the cornerstones of the economic and urban heritage, nature, and culture will
and heritage destination offering social revival of our towns and cities. act as catalysts for socioeconomic and
high-quality living to citizens using Hence, the way forward is to environmental development through
technology-based solutions.” use urban development positively tourism, commercial use, and higher
Moreover, the lack of communication to impact the quality of space and land and property values, thereby
between the implementing bodies, affordability of local communities and providing the revenues out of which
the heritage bodies, and the other users with the integration of a to pay for maintenance, restoration,
local stakeholders made it nearly nature-sensitive approach and urban and rehabilitation. People and their
impossible for proper implementation heritage conservation strategies for day-to-day socio-economics are the
of these schemes. The schemes enhancing the quality of the human only refuge in planning processes, not
talked about improving the street environment. Recent experience has the isolation of heritage by looking at
furniture, providing uniform shop demonstrated that integrating historic it as built and by clearing off spaces
fronts, directional and informative buildings and areas within urban around it.
signage, and preserving the heritage regeneration schemes can create
of important structures on Dargah popular, successful urban quarters with [The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not
Street. Under the HRIDAY scheme, character where people enjoy working, purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

ARTICLE
Climate Change & Finance
Climate change is
accelerating. Cities are a
cause, but they also face
Financing Climate Action: Lessons
from International Experience
the highest risks. Indian
cities are particularly
vulnerable due to
their high population
density and evolving finance infrastructure and development
infrastructure. The green projects (Bhatiani et al., 2022). There
economy transition
enabled by climate
finance represents a large
F is a clear need for Indian cities to place
greater emphasis on raising finance for
sustainable infrastructure development
and enhancing resilience to mitigate
climate risks. In this context, newer and
opportunity to improve more innovative financing sources can
quality of life, develop accelerate climate action, infrastructure
resilient infrastructure, Finance is a catalyst for action. Across development and green livelihoods.
and generate green jobs. the world, cities are the centres of Climate-positive investments in the
economic activity and account for more last decade were about $4.8 trillion, with
International experience than 60 per cent of carbon emissions. a CAGR of 7 per cent per annum from
suggests that net-zero Globally, more than 70 per cent cities 2011-21 (Naran et al., 2022).
plans are necessary but are witnessing climate change impacts One of the structured finance
(Knuth & Krishnan, 2021). Therefore, mechanisms is a dedicated Green or
not sufficient. They need financing cities’ climate action will Climate Fund. London, for example,
to develop financing be key to managing global climate established a revolving Green Fund
strategies, strengthen challenge. with an initial investment of £125
Many cities are gearing up to take million (presently grown to £575
accounting systems, decisive action, as demonstrated by million) with the objective of creating
engage investors, and 122 cities making it to the CDP’s list a greener London, including reducing
involve communities and of leaders in environmental action GHG emissions by 60 per cent from the
citizens to successfully and transparency. However, only one 2010 level (45 million tonnes). It was
Indian city (Mumbai) has made it to established in 2010 under the JESSICA
raise the capital required. CDP, 2022. Finance for climate action (Joint European Support for Sustainable
Supportive policies is often a constraint, especially for cities Investment in City Areas) initiative
such as sustainable in emerging markets. IFC estimates to provide loans and equity financing
that emerging market cities will need to to projects with higher risks and to
procurement and invest $ 29.4 trillion across six key sectors encourage commercial investments in
integrating energy and towards mitigation and adaptation (IFC, climate-friendly projects.
climate action into the 2018). In good news for India, IFC is Over the years, additional investments
planning to double its investments to have been made by investors at both
broader rubric of urban about $2.5–3 billion annually (Gera & the fund and project levels, with total
planning can accelerate Sikarwar, 2023). investments exceeding £375 million
climate finance The Indian government has proactively (FMDV, 2014). The fund is operated
shaped policy and programmes to professionally by a set of investment
enable and accelerate climate action managers depending on the sectors,
in cities. Nevertheless, most ULBs lack such as energy, recycling, housing, waste
the necessary technical and financial to energy, etc. (FMDV, 2014). A key
Dr Gaurav Bhatiani
Director-Energy and Environment
capability required for sustained action. lesson from London is that professional
RTI International India Further, most states have not delegated fund management ensures transparency,
the managerial and financial autonomy consistency and adherence to the stated
Aman Randhawa necessary to enable and empower them. objectives while utilising funds from
Urban Planning and Sustainability City master plans and development climate investments.
Consultant, RTI International India
plans lack a coherent strategy to Amsterdam has a similar initiative

titled the City Climate Fund to reduce buildings, water and waste management. options will need to be exercised by
55 per cent of carbon emissions by Cities can unlock climate finance in a cities as they focus on net-zero policies
2030 and 95 per cent by 2050, relative strategic and accelerated manner based and strategies. Each financing option
to 1990 levels. It was established by on a well-articulated Net Zero target will have its own unique advantages
the city council with a budget of €150 and capital plan, as demonstrated by and challenges. Cities, therefore, need
million and focuses on four sectors: Auckland’s experience. to enhance their capacity in the finance
built environment, mobility, electricity, Quito implemented an innovative and accounting areas to raise funding
harbour, and industry (City Council land value capture scheme through at the lowest cost and maximise their
of Amsterdam, 2020). Green Bonds an “Eco-Efficiency Ordinance”. Since revenues from projects. Cities can also
as debt instruments are becoming transportation was the major contributor take assistance from various facilities
increasingly popular. The Government to GHG emissions, the mechanism operated by multilateral agencies, such as
of India recently issued two green bonds, was designed to provide additional the Cities Finance Facility, which enables
raising about $2 billion with a successful development rights to existing buildings access to finance for climate change
greenium of 5–6 basis points (Jain along public transportation corridors to mitigation and resilience projects. It
& Deb, 2023). The coupon rates and incentivize the development of energy- also provides technical assistance to
tenures for the two bonds are (i) 7.10 per efficient buildings. Further, additional develop bankable investment proposals
cent for a 5-year tenure and (ii) 7.29 per incentives are being provided for new (UNFCC, 2020).
cent for a 10-year tenure (Ministry of developments that integrate affordable A strategic financing roadmap with an
Finance, India, 2023). housing units. The incremental value economic cost-benefit analysis should
Our cities can also take a leaf from of land along transportation corridors is be undertaken as a starting point to
Johannesburg, which issued its first retained by the city (Urban Sustainability ensure the prioritisation of projects with
green bond of ZAR 1.46 billion ($81 Exchange, 2022). the highest benefit-cost ratio. As part of
million). Funds are deployed on a variety The success of land value capture the exercise, sustainable procurement
of projects, including renewables, mechanism was due to effective policies may be adopted so that plans,
energy efficiency, and biodiversity, etc. A collaboration between the government, projects, and products are evaluated
comprehensive approach that included utilities, community and other key based on the life cycle cost rather than
aligning the purpose of bonds with city stakeholders. Quito’s example the least cost approach traditionally
the city’s climate initiatives, a definite demonstrates that contextualising adopted. Further, convergence of
process for evaluating projects and finance within a specific challenge faced technologies across electricity, telecom,
their impacts and a transparent annual by the city can not only unlock additional gas, and transport presents newer
reporting mechanism was a key factor funding but also enable action to directly opportunities for enhancing integration
in Johannesburg’s success (ERM, 2015). address the problem. to improve quality of life, reduce cost,
Auckland’s plans to be Net Zero by In Belgium, the City of Ghent and enhance sustainability. Cities
2050 have followed a more ambitious developed a platform to raise small funds can take advantage of this to develop
trajectory by adopting a mix of green (minimum €5) from many individuals integrated projects such as underground
budgeting, green bonds, PPP, blended and communities (Climate Adapt, utility networks. Our research in project
finance, and voluntary crowdfunding 2018). This platform has successfully SUNDAR, i.e., Sustainable Urban
(City Council of Auckland, 2020). funded projects to create mini-green Networks for Dynamic and Resilient
The City Capital Plan Budget for the spaces on residential balconies and India, highlighted that integrated
current decade (2021–31) proposed a vertical walls to mitigate the impact of development will enhance resilience,
NZ$31.8 billion expenditure focusing on extreme temperatures. reduce land requirements, and minimise
climate change and development sectors For rebuilding after an extreme economic and social interruptions from
including transportation, road safety, and event, Catastrophe Bonds (CAT) can be the perpetual and ongoing construction
housing. An additional NZ$ 152 million utilised, as they provide an immediate cycle. Green economy transition and
shall be invested towards electrification payout in case of losses emanating from climate finance are opportunities of
of public buses, planting 200 ha of native specified events such as cyclones, floods, the century. According to the World
forest in regional parks, planting 11,000 etc. The immediate payout ensures that Bank, transitioning to a green economy
trees in urban forests, and improving critical projects such as communications, through sustainable infrastructure
zero-waste recovery network. electricity, water, etc., can be rapidly development will require $90 trillion
Auckland Council has also issued five redeveloped, thereby minimising the by 2030. It will unlock new economic
green bonds to date, with a total asset economic and social loss. CAT bonds opportunities and jobs with every dollar
value of NZ$1,958 million and bond have been used in countries such as invested, yielding four dollars in returns
tenure ranging from 5 to 30 years. These Jamaica and the Pacific Islands, which (United Nations, 2019).
funds fund the public bicycle network, are at high risk of extreme events (World
electric trains, terminals, depots, Bank, 2019). [The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not
street lighting, solar systems, efficient These and other innovative funding purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

ARTICLE
Water Sanitation & Hygiene
Govts Have Launched Menstrual Schemes for

School-Going Girls, But Where Are The Girls?
THE DISQUIETING
FIGURE
W In an appalling article by the NDTV,

it was stated that 23 million women
in India drop out of school every
year when they start menstruating
due to lack of menstrual hygiene
management in schools. The
reasons for this lack of management
are lack of functional toilets and
Menstrual hygiene has WASH facilities are often inadequate sanitary napkins, and low menstrual
been a concern in many in institutions such as schools. Schools awareness.
are the place where students spend the Providing WASH facilities is only
schools in rural India. maximum of their productive time. one part of the service. If water is
Basic WASH (Water, With context to rural schools, many available, but is not of good quality
Sanitation and Hygiene) schools do not have adequate WASH or, in a similar manner, if toilets are
facilities become a facilities. According to the Annual built but not maintained, then it
Status of Education report 2016, only again poses an equivalent problem of
barrier to creating a 74.1 per cent of schools have drinking inadequate WASH facility standards.
safe environment for water facilities, while just 61.9 per cent
menstruating individuals. have separate toilet facilities for girls. STEPS TAKEN BY
In many states, free
The specified norm for the toilet-to- AUTHORITIES
girl student ratio is 1:40, according to Now, let’s highlight the free pad
pad schemes distribute the Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya schemes that governments have
packets of pads to girls guidelines. Along with gender- incorporated to supply free pads
segregated toilet facility, handwashing to school-going girls. In 2010, the
every month. But who is units with soap should be provided. MoHFW launched a pilot project
monitoring the quality Proper WASH facilities may called Freeday Pad Scheme to
and effectiveness of encourage students to incorporate supply sanitary pads to rural girls
these sanitary pads? Are good hygienic habits in their daily at a subsidised rate. After this, the
lives. It can promote handwashing government introduced the Sabla
the children really using at critical times — i.e. before taking scheme, with menstrual hygiene
it or not? Also, are the meals and after using the toilet. It as its central component. The
WASH facilities adequate will also promote handwashing with Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (a sanitation
soap, which is even more crucial today mission) launched by the Ministry
in schools? because of the Covid-19 situation. Also, for Drinking Water and Sanitation
schools are the most appropriate place also focuses on menstrual hygiene.
to build these habits as students imbibe In 2014, the Swachh Bharat
what’s taught to them at a younger age. Mission (Gramin) allocated funds
So, instilling WASH practices from for raising awareness on menstrual
a young age is beneficial, especially in hygiene in villages through
times of Covid-19, where handwashing IEC (Information, Education,
is a highlighted measure to prevent Communication) activities. Since
infection. The best hygienic practices 2018, many state governments have
are taught to students by schools that launched schemes to supply free
have proper WASH facilities. But pads to rural women and girls in
Anwesa Dutta what about the schools that don’t have schools: Kerala’s She Pad Scheme,
WASH Consultant at UNICEF India adequate WASH facilities? Chhattisgarh’s Suchita Scheme,

Maharashtra’s Asmita Scheme, MY OPINION
Swachh Bharat Mission Odisha’s Khushi Scheme and Andhra The steps that people in authority
Pradesh’s Raksha Scheme. take towards menstrual hygiene
(Gramin) allocated funds While on one hand, schemes are should be chronological.
for raising awareness launched for school-going girls, Firstly, the focus should be
on menstrual hygiene on the other, there are reports of a on providing adequate water
large number of girls dropping out and sanitation facilities, such as
in villages through IEC of schools (5.13 lakh girls in Uttar handwashing units within the
activities. Since 2018, Pradesh dropped out) due to lack of prescribed ratio and with soap
many state governments sanitation and menstrual hygiene facilities in a sustainable manner.
facilities in schools. Isn’t it ironical The next step should be installing
have launched schemes to that such an outsized number of girls a pad-vending machine and a proper
supply free pads to rural skip school due to lack of WASH disposable system in schools. For all
women and girls in schools: facilities during menstruation these to be functional, water should
while governments are focusing on be available within an accepted
Kerala’s She Pad Scheme, providing free pads. To whom are quantity and quality.
Chhattisgarh’s Suchita these pads being provided then? So, for students to be present
Scheme, Maharashtra’s Also, as menstruation isn’t a in school physically and mentally,
frequently discussed topic, who dealing with WASH facilities must
Asmita Scheme, Odisha’s is monitoring the standard of the be done adequately.
Khushi Scheme and Andhra distributed pads? Is someone liable
Pradesh’s Raksha Scheme for taking feedback of the students
who receive the pads? There are [The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not
some unanswered questions. purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

ARTICLE
Global Heating
Rapid built environment evidence for policy

& planning adaptation for global heating
states. A great example of this is
Ahmedabad’s city implementation of the
I India Heat Action Plan, which has led to

innovative civil society support through
innovative microfinance of thermal roof
coatings for low income housing.
However, national policy
implementations are also slow because
of the complexity of local environments.
The built environment is India has exemplary national policies For example, top-down policies for
the “Low hanging fruit” to support a low-carbon society: the vehicular traffic may set straightforward
Smart Grid Mission, the Residential road capacity and transit goals, but
for decarbonization Energy Conservation Building code and adding more roads actually leads to
because many buildings the Solar Mission to name a few. At the more traffic (called “rebound”) and
can be made much more state level, there are programmes for even worse traffic (called “backfire”).
efficient inexpensively at demand-side management (DSM) and Transport planning in one modern city
power utility reforms. When all of these has been claimed as a wicked problem,
the design stage and then policies are fully implemented, it will with properties first identified by Rittel
be built to handle the also decarbonize buildings and the grid. and Webber (1973). In traffic planning,
heat and cold extremes India’s current target for this is 2070.
For housing, policies are implemented
of climate change more and adapted by states and then
effectively. For existing enforced by local governments. This
building operations, fuel is thus a multi-agency responsibility.
Whether a new housing development
switching (from fossil is actually licenced or not depends
fuels to electricity), on enforcement, time, costs, and the
behaviour change, and procedural burden of government
renewables can be rapid, engagement. These obstacles are called
path dependencies—past decisions,
with costs reimbursed including laws, that may inhibit
quickly (4-6 years). Given modernisation. The implementation of
the imperative of global national building efficiency legislation
can’t reach unlicensed builders.
heating, the foresight of Licencing is becoming easier with
these policy missions, digital technologies and better design
and the myriad benefits tools, but it can be seen that real change
occurs locally, in a local context, with
of low carbon buildings, it unique historical, political, social, and
is reasonable to ask “Why environmental considerations. This
aren’t we there yet?” diversity is, in fact, rather valuable
because local policy implementation
undergoes thousands of natural
experiments as urban local governments
Craig Burton (ULBs) adapt regulations to local
Head of Knowledge contexts. Successful implementations
Global Buildings Performance Network can be promoted to other cities and

it is not clear where to intervene, and in local environments. A city-wide
traffic congestion seems resistant to traffic congestion charge is a popular
individual solutions such as widening policy that has greatly improved traffic A city-wide traffic
one road. Climate change is also a problems in cities like Stockholm, even congestion charge is a
wicked problem for built environment if an early Stockholm trial was run amid popular policy that has
planning because built environment considerable resistance to congestion
planning interacts with climate and charges. The same opportunity exists for greatly improved traffic
traffic. It finds a mentioned in a paper rapidly bringing high performing, low- problems in cities like
titled Sustainability in Construction carbon, affordable housing to billions of Stockholm, even if an
and Built Environment: A “Wicked people. To know what will work best in
Problem”? published in Smart and any new context, the key risk mitigation early Stockholm trial was
Sustainable Built Environment. This action is a trial of possible policy run amid considerable
is why we “aren’t there yet” with large- implementations. resistance to congestion
scale urban adaptations and mitigations Policies targeting building energy
for global warming. performance overall will reduce the charges. The same
Built environment policy pressure on this problem, as will opportunity exists for
implementation must consider this congestion charges in city-wide traffic rapidly bringing high
wickedness as mentioned in Wicked planning. However, the manner in
Problems in Public Policy by BW which low-income occupants can keep performing, low-carbon,
Head. Fortunately, the wicked problem their homes cool from hot outside winds affordable housing to
field is mature, and there are tools and direct sunlight in order to avoid billions of people. To
and approaches we can use for policy installing mechanical cooling requires
implementation at the state, city, and trials of passive cooling techniques, know what will work best
building levels. These solutions are called among other approaches. Government in any new context, the
systems solutions since they attempt regulatory design is a good way to key risk mitigation action
to account for complexity, emergence, approach such complex systems because
multi-agency, non-linearity, nesting, policy can be strongly evidenced; it can is a trial of possible policy
adaptation, and path dependencies be implemented at different scales; and implementations
it can provide dynamic control that

triggers on emergent events.
Rapid human-centred trials in living
buildings and homes can provide
evidence for various policy settings at the
city and regional levels. The technical
support that can help governments
better cope with wicked problems is
thus tested using modern methods
of iteration, co-production, and co-
design. This approach might be termed
policy living labs. Utility living labs, as
mentioned in the publication Water for
Tomorrow: A Living Lab on the Creation
of the Science-Policy-Stakeholder
Interface, and energy regulatory
sandboxes have existed for quite some
time, but an open platform for trials
in living buildings is needed now for
trials of what zero carbon living would
look like today and how regulations and
policies can accelerate and scale it.
[The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not

purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

ARTICLE
Wastewater Management
The Value of Treated Wastewater

above 1,00,000, and class II cities, with
populations of 50,000–99,999, which
I represent a major share of about 72 per

cent of the total urban population in the
country, produce an estimated 38,254
MLD of sewage, of which only 30 percent
is treated (CPCB, 2021). Various reports
suggest that many STPs don’t function
India’s Urban 20 (U20) cycle has laid at maximum capacity, and others
India’s G20 presidency emphasis on cities being drivers of the don’t meet prescribed effluent water
is a unique opportunity circular economy, with ‘ensuring urban quality standards. In some cases, STPs
water security’ being a key priority are underutilised since the sewerage
to promote a circular area. Growing populations and rapid network doesn’t cover unauthorised
economy in water. For urbanisation combined with climate colonies and sub-urban areas. Further,
promoting circularity change-induced adverse impacts on many urban utilities are unable to scale
in wastewater water resources have increased the up wastewater treatment capacity as the
pressure on already scarce freshwater capital and operating costs of building
management in leading resources, leading to the need to infrastructure are high.
emerging economies like explore alternative sources of water. In addition to treatment, the reuse
India, it is important to These factors are common drivers of treated wastewater is also low, even
for governments globally that are in major urban agglomerations. For
assess the market value taking steps to shift from a linear to instance, it is 49 per cent in Chennai,
associated with the reuse a circular economy approach, with 19 per cent in Delhi, and 6 per cent in
of treated wastewater. mainstreaming the reuse of treated Hyderabad (IWA, 2018).
wastewater as one of the interventions.
About 11,622 million India is no exception to the imminent WASTEWATER
cubic metres (MCM) of water scarcity issue. According to an TREATMENT CAPACITY &
treated wastewater were analysis by the Council on Energy, ECONOMIC GROWTH
available in India for Environment, and Water (CEEW) Cities are key propellers of economic
using the Central Water Commission growth, with the majority of global GDP
reuse in 2021, considering (CWC) estimates, 11 out of the 15 generated in cities (World Bank, 2020).
that the treatment major river basins will experience water Correlating the sewage treatment
capacity was fully utilised stress by 2025, with annual per capita capacity (as a percentage of total sewage
renewable water availability below generation) with the per capita GDP in
1,700 cubic metres. While various water the G20 countries can indicate whether
supply augmentation and demand wastewater treatment is a strong
interventions are being explored, the function of economic development.
reuse of treated wastewater is receiving Our analysis shows that most of the G20
increased traction of late, given that countries with high GDPs also have
India generates over 72,000 million high wastewater treatment capacities
litres of wastewater per day (MLD) in (Figure 1 ). The coefficient of correlation
urban areas alone (CPCB, 2021). Out of is 0.65. Thus, major growth in sewage
this, only 28 per cent, or less than one- treatment capacity is expected in
third, is actually treated. The remaining leading emerging economies, including
untreated wastewater is discharged into Brazil, India, China, and South Africa.
freshwater bodies. This is one of the
main reasons for high levels of pollution MARKET VALUE OF REUSE
Saiba Gupta in many of the major Indian rivers, For promoting circularity in wastewater
Kartikey Chaturvedi
Nitin Bassi especially concentrated in the river management in leading emerging
Council on Energy, stretches passing through urban areas. economies like India, it is important to
Environment and Water (CEEW) Class I cities, having population assess the market value associated with

Figure 1: Wastewater treatment is a strong function of and risk sharing. Learnings from
economic development global experience suggest that blended
100
South Korea finance can go a long way in ensuring
Japan UK Germany
the financial viability of reuse projects.
Sewage treament capacity as % of total
90 France USA
Italy
80 Saudi Arabia
Canada On the demand side, freshwater needs
Australia
70 China to be priced to create demand for TWW
Mexico
sewage generation
60 South Africa Turkey in the first place. To enable a shift

50 towards treated wastewater reuse for
India
40 non-potable purposes, freshwater needs
Argentina
30 to be priced to reflect its scarcity, which
Brazil
20 means that its price should be higher
10 than that of treated wastewater.
0 Fourth, we should have a sector-based
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000
dynamic pricing mechanism for TWW
Per capita GDP in PPP (in US $) that considers different categories of
users and their paying abilities. One
the reuse of treated wastewater. About Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated of the major barriers to implementing
11,622 million cubic metres (MCM) of Water (NFSRTW) was launched as reuse projects for local urban authorities
treated wastewater were available in recently as January 2023 with the is cost recovery. The collection of
India for reuse in 2021 (CPCB, 2021). broader vision of bringing water user charges for urban infrastructure
As per the CEEW estimates, this will into a circular economy framework. services has been promoted in the
become 15,288 MCM by 2025 and It will act as a guiding document Union Budget 2023. It will help
35,178 MCM by 2050. We estimate that for the formulation of state-level recover the wastewater treatment cost
the market value of the total treated policies based on respective needs and and contribute towards making reuse
wastewater (TWW) available in 2021 demands. However, the successful projects commercially viable. For
would have been over `630 million had implementation of these policies instance, local authorities can provide
there been a mechanism in place for the is directly linked to the economic secondary TWW to industries at rates
sale of TWW for reuse. The market value feasibility of reuse projects. Here, we lower than industrial water tariffs paid
would substantially increase to over make some recommendations to enable otherwise. Lastly, investment in public
`830 million in 2025 and `1.9 billion in the implementation and scaling up of outreach through effective information,
2050 (Bassi et al., 2023). Hence reusing reuse projects in India. communication and education
treated wastewater can be a financially First, we need a paradigm shift in activities is required to build public
viable proposition too. ideology for wastewater to be considered confidence and encourage behaviour
an integral part of all water resource change towards using reclaimed water.
REUSING TWW IN management-related policies, plans, Public acceptance is a crucial factor
IRRIGATION and regulations. A common enabling in successful implementation of reuse
India’s irrigation sector, with its factor in the successful implementation policies. STPs have been rebranded as
predominant water demand, offers of reuse projects globally is the adoption Nirmal Jal Kendras to remove stigma
a substantial opportunity for TWW’s of a comprehensive national policy associated with wastewater.
reuse. As per our analysis, nine times framework on wastewater treatment Incorporating wastewater
the area of New Delhi can be irrigated and reuse. The focus now should shift management as an essential urban
with the treated wastewater currently towards effective implementation of service is important. India has taken
available in India for the irrigation the recently launched NFSRTW. comprehensive steps to address it
sector. Further, about `966 billion Second, robust institutional through national missions such as
would be the revenue generated arrangements need to be put in place to AMRUT and initiatives for river-
from the agricultural yield produced ensure effective collaboration between sensitive urban development such as
from this area of land. There are also the centre and states. At city level, urban Namami Gange programme. As the
environmental benefits associated with local bodies should be empowered to host of the G20 this year, India has
reusing TWW in the irrigation sector. formulate and adopt long-term, city- the unique opportunity to develop an
level wastewater reuse plans. action plan and framework for tackling
RECOMMENDATIONS Third, we need to promote the wastewater in the Global South, thereby
Despite its potential, reuse of TWW has financial viability of reuse projects by driving long-term impact towards
not yet become mainstream in India. adopting supply-side and demand-side sustainable water management.
Only a few Indian states have framed interventions in synergy. On the supply
policies and guidelines to promote side, appropriate PPP models need to [The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not
treatment and reuse. The National be promoted for effective responsibility purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

ARTICLE
Digitalisation & Accessability
Digital Accessibility: The Key

to Unlocking Mobility for All
Digitalisation has it cannot provide tactile or voice-
activated instructions or large text.
T
revolutionised urban Similarly, people who are deaf or hard
mobility, elevating how of hearing face problems when audio
people move. The new messages are broadcast in the event of
an emergency or disruption. So, when a
mobility services enabled train is rerouted to a different platform
by digital platforms, for and the display boards are not updated
instance, digital ticketing (only audio announcements are made),
and payments, Mobility- Technology has the potential to give it usually results in the deaf person
more than 100 million Indians living missing the train.
as-a-Service have with disabilities more freedom to travel The problem is that most of the
improved the commuter independently. Contrary to common time, digital products or services are
experience. The rapid perception, a large number of PwDs developed by focusing on the needs
regularly use modern digital resources and usage patterns of young non-
development of virtual via assistive technologies like screen disabled users as the primary, if not the
mobility solutions such as readers and magnifiers, hearing aids, only, potential user group. As a result,
e-commerce, and remote specialised computer input and output the needs of PwDs are not factored in
devices, and other assistive tools in their during product design, development,
working is transforming daily lives, including for meticulously or testing. This failure to design for
mobility patterns by planning and undertaking travel. These accessibility by different stakeholders
reducing the need to assistive technologies are developed results in the continued development
travel. The ubiquity of with the assumption that computers, of digital products and services that are
smartphones, point-of-sale devices, difficult or even impossible for many
digital technology in internet and web applications, etc. are PwDs to use.
mobility is an essential built in compliance with the digital Accessibility is an important part
enabler for making accessibility guidelines that provide a of the digital experience. It improves
useful minimum standard. If the digital navigation and usability not just for
our travel safer, more resources do not conform to these disabled people but for all. Something
efficient, accessible, and guidelines, they become inaccessible as simple as high-contrast fonts and size
reliable. While technology (unusable), leaving out users with adjustments for people with low vision
disabilities. What this means is that is extremely useful for seniors as well as
can help build more while a majority of the population can those in the glaring sun, accentuating
sustainable mobility book tickets, get real-time updates, that ‘accessibility’ is for everyone! It
systems, it can also create and make online payments, millions is also pertinent to understand that if
unintended barriers for of PwDs are still locked out of the accessibility standards are incorporated
digital ecosystem when the minimum into the design or product at the
many, including people standards are not met. beginning, the cost is as much as ten
with Disabilities (PwDs) PwDs experience challenges when times lower than retrofitting an existing
digital accessibility breaks down in digital product.
mobility, which can happen at multiple India has a strong legislative
Aishwarya Agarwal
Urban Designer junctures. For instance, a self-service framework on digital accessibility in
Center for Inclusive Mobility ticketing machine is not accessible the form of the Rights of Persons with
OMI Foundation to people with visual disabilities if Disabilities Act (RPWD Act), 2016. In

2015, the government launched the services released by the Bureau of the decision-making table to ensure
Accessible India Campaign to improve Indian Standards (BIS). On-ground representation in policymaking.
the accessibility of websites, public implementation, however, leaves a lot Additionally, active consultations with
documents, and media content on TV. to be desired. PwDs in the design, development, and
Moreover, the government has also With policies in place, India already evaluation of digital resources and
issued various guidelines from time to has the requisite building blocks to periodic training and sensitisation
time, the latest being the accessibility implement digital accessibility. What workshops for professionals are a few
guidelines for ICT products and it now needs is to strengthen the necessary initiatives for the effective
enforcement mechanism to make digital adoption and implementation of digital
accessibility a reality. Compliance with accessibility.
the accessibility guidelines for both While digitalisation is being pushed
India already has the public and private organisations while by the government, it is of utmost
requisite building blocks developing new as well as retrofitting importance to ensure that no one is left
to implement digital existing digital resources in a time- behind. It takes on added significance
bound manner needs to be prioritised. in the case of mobility infrastructure,
accessibility. What it now A robust monitoring mechanism to which enables all citizens to access
needs is to strengthen the track the implementation is imperative, various socioeconomic opportunities.
enforcement mechanism as it is an ongoing process. Public In a scenario of a lack of access to
procurement as a policy tool can be mobility, India fails to capture the full
to make digital used to effect change on the ground. value of its demographic dividend.
accessibility a reality. The government should incorporate Likewise, not integrating PwDs with
Compliance with the accessibility criteria into its public the economy translates into a foregone
procurement policy and mandate all GDP of about 5 per cent to 7 per
accessibility guidelines for its agencies and departments to abide cent. Therefore, India cannot miss
both public and private by them. Furthermore, the government the opportunity to build a society that
organisations while needs to adopt a ‘stick’ and a ‘carrot’ ensures the inclusion of 100+ million
approach. We need to impose stringent PwDs in the digital age. As the country
developing new as well as statutory fines on those who do not embarks on the 25-year journey of Amrit
retrofitting existing digital meet the accessibility requirements Kaal, it’s time to leverage technology
resources in a time-bound and provide incentives to those who do. and the demographic dividend to thrive
Achieving inclusive development will and become a truly digital economy.
manner needs to be be possible with increased leadership
prioritised and the meaningful participation of
PwDs. All ministries and departments [The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not
should enable PwDs to have a seat at purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

ARTICLE
Clean Energy & Finance
Financing & governance cornerstones for a

just and equitable energy transition in cities
on electric vehicle penetration which
has a major affordability barrier
C currently. Here are some examples of

best practices around urban planning
across global cities like Bogotá,
Copenhagen, Montréal and Barcelona.
These must be complementary to the
existing efforts, for example congestion
fee in London, by cities and states
Cities are responsible for about on incentivising adoption of electric
As the planet warms, 70 per cent of the global CO2 emissions, vehicles (EVs).
the impacts of climate but they also have the potential to
change are becoming be leaders in reducing emissions Buildings
and building resilient communities. Secondly buildings are responsible
more severe and Discussions around just and equitable for a significant portion of emissions
widespread, with cities energy transition are predominantly due to their energy consumption for
being particularly limited to transitioning away from coal, heating, cooling, and lighting. States
industrial decarbonisation and mining and cities need to put affordability,
vulnerable. On one hand communities. This article aims to look equity and credibility at the core while
cities are critical growth at just and equitable transition from a development of green buildings that are
engines for any economy city and urban development lens and energy-efficient, powered by renewable
key sectors and enablers to aid this energy sources, and built by low carbon
with rapid urbanisation transition towards achieving a net-zero footprint materials. Finance will be
and prosperity; and on emissions future. a critical enabler in ensuring this
the other, heatwaves, Financing climate actions at the city transition is at scale and is affordable
level can be a daunting task. Municipal for the masses. Examples of a few best
floods and cyclones are budgets are often limited, and many practices from cities of Surat, India and
becoming more frequent cities struggle to secure the necessary Vancouver, Canada.
and intense, causing funding to address climate change.
damage to infrastructure Additionally, climate action is a long- Industrial Sector
term process, and the benefits may Thirdly the industrial sector which
and public health. not be immediately apparent. This includes manufacturing, construction,
Climate change is also underpins the need to secure robust and even waste management are major
exacerbating social and governance mechanisms backed by sources of emissions and air pollution.
strong political leadership to champion Cities can work with industry leaders
economic inequalities in climate action across sectors which is to promote the adoption of low-carbon
cities, with low-income sustainable, just and equitable. technologies and processes, such as the
communities often use of renewable energy sources and the
bearing the brunt of its KEY SECTORS reduction of waste through recycling
Transportation Sector and composting. Cities can also look
impacts The transportation sector is one of at innovative financing models such as
the most significant contributors to the carbon credits example of Indore
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in city in India to incentivise effective
cities. To ensure just transition, cities waste management. Via innovative
Rana Pujari must prioritise sustainable mobility governance and policy design, cities
Senior Manager – South Asia solutions such as public transportation, can also incentivise the adoption of
Government Relations, Climate Group cycling, and walking beyond focussing sustainable practices through tax

breaks and other financial incentives
completed by large scale behavioural
change and sensitisation campaigns.
Agriculture
Another but a less talked about
sector from a city context is the
agriculture value chain space. Cities
can collaborate with companies,
supply chain players and local farmers
to promote sustainable modes of
transportation and smarter agriculture
practices such as local food production
and distribution.
Power Generation and Use

Finally, on power generation and use,
cities need to ramp up renewable
energy to supply to buildings and
electric vehicles charging stations.
This requires setting affordable tariff
structure, investment in renewable
energy infrastructure, such as rooftop FOR CITIES Climate funds are dedicated funding
solar, wind turbines and effective waste Public-private partnerships sources that are specifically designed
to energy plants in collaboration with Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can to support climate action initiatives.
energy providers and distribution bring together public and private sector Cities can apply for funding from
companies. resources to finance and implement climate funds to support a wide range
SOME WAYS TO climate action initiatives. For example, of climate actions, including renewable
LEVERAGE FINANCING a city could partner with a private energy projects, energy efficiency
company to finance and install solar improvements, and climate resilience
panels on public buildings. The private initiatives. For example: Tamil Nadu
company would provide the financing government’s ambitious decision to set
for the project, and the city would pay up a Green Climate Fund at the state
Cities need to ramp up back the financing over time, with level will definitely see finance flows
renewable energy to interest. This can help to reduce the for city level climate action as well.
financial burden on the city while still
supply to buildings and achieving climate action goals. An Conclusion
electric vehicles charging example is ‘Green city’ Gandhinagar in Cities offer a huge opportunity to
stations. This requires India. holistically and more impactfully
address the climate crisis due to the
setting affordable tariff Green bonds relatively smaller scale as compared
structure, investment Another financing strategy for climate to state or national level. While
in renewable energy actions is the use of green bonds. Green doing this it is also important to
bonds are fixed-income securities that ensure this transition is just and
infrastructure, such are specifically earmarked for socially equitable catalysed by coordinated
as rooftop solar, wind responsible and environmentally efforts among government, industry,
turbines and effective friendly projects. Cities can issue financial institutions and civil society
green bonds to finance climate action via robust governance mechanism and
waste to energy plants initiatives, such as renewable energy financing strategy. Lastly learning from
in collaboration with projects, public transportation, and national and global best practices and
energy providers and energy efficiency improvements. We replicability of the same with greater
are already seeing positive signals political intent will ensure rapid
distribution companies from states like Maharashtra which scale up.
announced investment in green bonds
in their recent budget for FY 2023-24. [The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not
Dedicated climate funds purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

ARTICLE
Historic Urban Landscape Approach
Priority Area: Reinventing Frameworks

for Urban Governance & Planning
management concerns, involving a
variety of stakeholders (including
A local, national, regional, international,

public, and private actors in the
urban development process). The
HUL approach directly relates to the
Sustainable Development Goal, Target
11.4, which highlights the importance
of cultural and natural heritage for
This article illustrates As the future of humanity hinges on the making safe and resilient cities and
effective planning and management of draws upon the New Urban Agenda
the application of the resources, the conservation of historic (UN-Habitat), which underlines the
UNESCO Historic Urban settlements, viewed as a complex need for integrated approaches to urban
Landscape (HUL) layering of historical, geological, and sustainability. HUL approach becomes
natural aspects, etc., has become a a crucial tool to enhance the liveability
Approach for the first strategy to achieve a balance between of a settlement and is an approach that
time in the Indian context urban growth and quality of life on a is not only inclusive of development
of the state of Madhya sustainable basis. The conservation of but also infused with smart urban
the historical core of a settlement should development tools and vision for the
Pradesh. The two cases be based on the locally embedded and required urban infrastructure.
of Gwalior and Orchha are historical features that, though often The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board
chosen to demonstrate forgotten or neglected, can still prove requested that UNESCO New Delhi
the malleability of the to be the local cultural identity anchors apply the HUL approach to the cities
in the era of globalisation. of Gwalior and Orchha. Dharatal was
HUL approach since one To include historic centres and the inducted as the technical expert agency
is a city and the other a surroundings as a whole, favourable for the project, which was launched in
temple town public policies need to be put in July 2021.
place derived from the existing The project methodology involves
legislation (including land-use maps, the following steps: data collection,
environmental degradation controls, data analysis (historical, geographical,
etc.) to address the local state of affairs. cultural, and socio-economic context),
This also needs to include funding and stakeholder engagement, along with
subsidy schemes, public participation, the identification of infrastructure
and educational activities. and developmental issues in the
To address urban conservation, historic urban centre to facilitate the
UNESCO in 2011 released application of the approach in Gwalior
recommendations for the conservation and Orchha, and finally the formulation
of the Historic Urban Landscape of recommendations and guidelines for
(HUL), which laid stress on the fact local development authorities.
that urban heritage, including its
tangible and intangible components, GWALIOR
constitutes a key resource in enhancing Gwalior is one of the major cities in the
the liveability of urban areas and central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
fosters economic development and This Tier II city has been proposed to
social cohesion in a changing global become one of the counter-magnets
Dharatal Team environment. The HUL approach to the National Capital Region of
Technical Expert Agency addresses policy, governance, and Delhi. It has also been selected by the

central government to implement the to a lack of softscapes to recharge parking of 60,000 square metres.
Smart City initiatives. It is historically depleting groundwater sources A number of small solutions
significant as it was ruled by several ♦ Slumification of dense urban or recommendations within the
northern Indian kingdoms and features historic areas such as Hazira and framework of the HUL approach
many important cultural heritage assets Lashkar translate into big differences or
that are currently underutilised and lack ♦ Lack of special area regulations to impacts. One such solution could be
guidelines for holistic development. check development in dense urban to make a Heritage Impact Assessment
Presently, major infrastructure projects settlements statutory for all public infrastructure
are planned, including a 12-kilometre ♦ The depleting ecological value of projects within the HUL of Orchha,
elevated road atop what remains of the Swarnarekha river is expected along with the inclusion of a heritage
the river passing through the heart to further worsen with proposals expert on the review board of such
of the city, the Swarnarekha, which such as the Elevated Road proposed projects. Orchha therefore presents an
could permanently displace its over the river. interesting case of a historic town for
ecological value. ♦ Inadequate understanding of the contextual application of the 2011
The main problem is accommodating existing legal provisions by public UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape
the modern needs of the people of representatives. (HUL) approach in South Asia.
Gwalior in balance with the historic, A vital component that contributes A similar methodology as applied in
cultural, and religious values embodied to the effectiveness of the HUL the case of Gwalior was carried out for
in the built environment. It is approach is stakeholder engagement. Orchha too.
necessary to recognise that the HUL The data analysis and preliminary
approach accommodates change and recommendations were subject to Key inferences from the data
development, which are inevitable for public stakeholder and local community analysis of Orchha
any city or town, while mitigating their consultations in March 2022. The ♦ The maintenance of the natural
negative effects on significant built endorsement of the data analysis and character of the landscape of
heritage. the spreading of awareness about the Orchha is vital.
The project examines how to objectives of the project were realised. ♦ The topography of Orchha plays
accommodate the needs of Gwalior The priorities of the local government a significant role in the planning
while respecting its historic and community, as well as their vision principles adopted during its
environment, the application and for Gwalior, were discussed with the inception. Hence, it is evidently
adaptation of the HUL approach, and technical team in order to fine-tune significant even for its HUL.
the gaps between theory and practise. the recommendations and guidelines ♦ There is a growing appetite for rural
Challenges and opportunities were for the HUL of Gwalior. tourism. Supporting infrastructure
identified for the urban heritage while for the same needs to be set up.
determining values, attributes, and the ORCHHA ♦ The river, the fort, the Ram Raja
applicability of the HUL approach in Orchha is an idyllic historic town with temple, and Hardual Ki Baithak
order to draw recommendations and a compact population, established are intrinsically associated with the
guidelines for future development. in the 16th century as the capital of lives of the local population.
a princely state in the Bundelkhand
Key inferences from the data region. It is a prime pilgrimage centre Challenges identified in Orchha
analysis of Gwalior and witnesses a seasonal influx of ♦ Developmental pressure: Without
♦ Varying urban morphological visitors around major festivals. It has taking into account their effects
footprints emulate the historical recently been placed on the Tentative on the HUL, different local
evolution of the city. List for World Heritage. Today, Orchha government departments have
♦ The Swarnarekha riverfront has is facing significant developmental proposed large-scale public
huge potential as a public space. pressures, including modernization infrastructure projects.
♦ The local population has a positive of infrastructure and transportation ♦ Inadequate transport and waste
inclination towards the urban networks, accommodating a growing disposal systems to support the
cultural heritage of Gwalior. demand for tourism activities, and growing incoming tourism.
environmental degradation. A number ♦ Environmental pressure in terms of
Challenges identified in Gwalior of large projects are being planned flooding of the Betwa river
♦ Inadequate transport and waste and constructed in the city centre, ♦ Inadequate understanding of
disposal infrastructure to support including a 7-metre-wide road through existing legal provisions by public
the growing urban population in the historic walls, a bridge across the representatives.
the city. scenic river, the installation of an
♦ Environmental pressure in terms of additional 2050 street lights, a new [The views expressed are the author’s own. They do not
waterlogging following rainfall due stadium and sports complex, and purport to reflect the views of Urban Update.]

URBAN AGENDA
Ashok Wankhade
Managing Editor
Keep Local Identity at Core While Building Cities
I
t is a moment of pride that the U20 Mayoral Summit, under India’s G20 Presidency, is taking place in Ahmedabad—the
city that represents Indian culture, heritage, and the country’s ethos of non-violence and social inclusion. The city is
also among UNESCO-recognized India’s only World Heritage Cities.
Cities are dynamic in nature, constantly evolving and adapting to the needs and aspirations of their citizens. In this
process, the role of culture in the evolution of cities should never be ignored. Economic factors often become the most
important aspect when planning urban development. Indian cities and many cities in less urbanized countries in the developed
world are undergoing massive transformations. It is an excellent initiative by the Government of India to judiciously select key
priority areas for U20, with Local Identity and Culture featuring prominently. It will provide a much-needed perspective on
how culture can play an indispensable role in city development and how G20 nations can harness cultural vibrancy to boost
local identities.
The culture of a city helps build identity and create a sense of belonging among its citizens. Hence, it is necessary for
Urban Local Bodies, along with state and central government bodies, to protect and preserve their historical and cultural
heritages, which form the foundation of any city’s culture. Local citizens connect themselves with their roots and unique local
identities through them. Cities that effectively preserve their cultural heritage strike a delicate balance between progress and
preservation.
Cities that prioritize the creative expression of local artisans and provide platforms for local artists of all types can flourish
as vibrant hubs of creativity and innovation. Street art, public installations, and cultural festivals transform neighbourhoods,
making them vibrant and inclusive. Such initiatives beautify the city and inspire social cohesion, fostering a sense of pride
and ownership among residents. As many cities from G20 nations gather in Ahmedabad, they should collaborate for cultural
exchanges. Cities should also empower communities to participate in cultural initiatives actively. Supporting grassroots
organizations, community-driven projects, and cultural exchange can amplify the voices of marginalized groups and strengthen
social bonds. Local cultural traditions should be integrated into urban planning processes, ensuring that development aligns
with the aspirations and values of the people.
Sustainable Development and Culture
Sustainable development and culture are closely linked. According to UNESCO, culture is critical to making cities livable for
urban residents, encouraging urban development that is truly sustainable. The evidence pointing to the importance of culture
for sustainable cities is overwhelming. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the cultural and creative industries were among the
fastest-growing in the world, representing 30 million jobs and three per cent of global GDP. Cultural activities foster social
inclusion and dialogue among diverse communities, while tangible and intangible heritage are integral to a city’s identity,
creating a sense of belonging and cohesion. This makes culture particularly vital for cities recovering from conflict or disaster.
Cities that embrace diversity welcoming people from various cultural backgrounds, become centers of creativity and
innovation. When different cultures converge, ideas clash, leading to new perspectives and solutions. G20 nations can promote
cultural diversity through inclusive immigration policies, intercultural events, and educational programs that celebrate
different traditions and encourage dialogue. The U20 Mayoral Summit is also an opportunity for them to forge individual
connections and build long-term cultural relationships.
The cities of the future should be defined not only by their glass towers, skyscrapers and economic dexterity but by their
cultural richness and unique sense of place.

cso
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ISSN 2349-6266

Setting The Agenda For Tomorrow’s Cities

Volume IX, Issue III JULY 2023

All India Institute of Local Self-Government

AIILSG is committed to build empowered India with skilled human workforce

Pushpender Singh Setting The Agenda For Tomorrow’s Cities

Indrani Priyadarshini Setting The Agenda For Tomorrow’s Cities

Shashank Garg Volume IX, Issue III JULY 2023

ACCELERATE CLIMATE ACTIONS

Meenakshi Rajput One On One

DESIGN FOR DIVERSITY

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