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The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Science
- The Hindu
World Environment Day 2025: Why climate resilience needs development management leaders?
On World Environment Day, as the world debates net-zero targets, electric vehicles, and renewable energy milestones, it's vital to remember that climate change is not only about carbon emissions. It is, at its core, a human crisis. In India, vulnerability to climate extremes is no longer hypothetical. An assessment by the Department of Science and Technology found that over 80% of Indian districts face high flood or drought risk, with the impacts disproportionately affecting rural and marginalised communities. As climate-related disasters become more frequent, they compound pre-existing inequities in health, livelihoods, and gender, demanding a more people-centred approach to resilience. To mitigate these issues, there is a need to build a cadre of development management professionals supporting an ecosystem of fellowships, leadership programmes, and institutions that strengthen development management capacities within the social sector. The human blind spot in climate action Despite the gravity of this crisis, much of our climate discourse remains dominated by top-down narratives driven by policy, technology, and capital. These are all crucial elements, but they are not sufficient. The lived realities of climate change, migration, loss of livelihoods, and collapsing ecosystems require solutions that are relational, adaptive, and deeply rooted in the social fabric of our communities. The missing link in our response is leadership from India's vast, diverse, and indispensable social sector. Climate resilience is not built through technology or investment alone. It is built through trust, collective participation, and a deep understanding of how communities function and survive under pressure. The social sector, encompassing NGOs, self-help groups, community-based organisations, and grassroots movements, has long worked within these realities. It is this sector that steps in when families are displaced by floods, when heatwaves trigger public health emergencies, and when farming communities face successive crop failures due to erratic rainfall. Lessons from the ground Across India, community-led efforts have long demonstrated the power of local knowledge in building climate resilience, from reviving traditional water structures to adopting adaptive agricultural practices. When supported and scaled, these approaches play a vital role in addressing local vulnerabilities. The Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) continues to support women farmers in adopting climate-resilient livelihoods Programmes like MISHTI, which restore mangrove ecosystems, and MGNREGS, which enable water conservation and drought-proofing in rural areas, demonstrate the potential of people-first climate action. Yet, despite this record, the social sector remains systematically under-recognised and underfunded in India's climate action plans. The majority of green finance continues to flow towards large-scale mitigation projects. Adaptation, which directly impacts vulnerable communities, receives a much smaller share. While new policy frameworks like India's Climate Finance Taxonomy are promising, implementation has been slow and fragmented. Bridging the investment gap Some argue that the social sector lacks the scale or sophistication to lead India's climate response. But this critique overlooks what truly drives resilience. Social purpose organisations possess deep-rooted credibility, contextual knowledge, and the trust of communities. They act as connectors, translating government policy, technological innovation, and philanthropic investment into solutions that work on the ground. What is missing is not intent, but investment in leadership. According to the India Philanthropy Report 2025 by Bain & Company and Dasra, the social sector has grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 13% over the past five years, reaching ₹25 lakh crore (approximately USD 300 billion, or 8.3% of GDP) in FY 2024. These organisations indirectly enable an additional ₹25 to ₹30 lakh crore in public spending on development. Yet the people leading them often lack access to the kind of management training, strategic support, and institutional strengthening available to their counterparts in the corporate or government sectors. If we are to scale community-rooted climate action, we must invest in the people who make that action possible. Catalysing future leadership This means building a cadre of development management professionals supporting an ecosystem of fellowships, leadership programmes, and institutions that strengthen development management capacities within the sector. It also means reimagining CSR and philanthropic capital to fund not just projects, but long-term institutional resilience. According to an analysis by Sattva Consulting, only 19 Indian non-profits reported incomes exceeding ₹100 crore in FY 2021-22. This starkly contrasts with the scale of CSR allocations by many large companies, whose individual budgets often exceed this threshold. The disparity reveals a persistent challenge, even as philanthropic and CSR capital grows, the organisations working most closely with vulnerable communities continue to face institutional and financial limitations. Dedicated pipelines that strengthen the strategic capabilities of grassroots organisations are urgently needed. India has made ambitious commitments on climate action. But these goals will remain out of reach unless we address the leadership vacuum at the heart of our adaptation response. Social sector leaders are not just service providers. They are catalysts for systemic change. And if we are serious about climate justice, we must centre their voices, build their capacity, and trust their vision. In a country as complex and diverse as India, climate action must begin and end with people. And the social sector is where that work already quietly, urgently, and persistently continues every day. (Ravi Sreedharan is the President and Co-founder of Indian School of Development Management)
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
SEWA develops power network in 15 sites across Central Region
SHARJAH - The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has implemented a number of development projects and achieved significant progress in enhancing the electricity network across the Central Region. The upgrades covered both high- and low-voltage networks in more than 15 locations, including Al Dhaid, Mleiha, Al Madam, and Al Batayeh. These efforts come as part of SEWA's ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of services provided to citizens and residents alike. Khalifa Mohammed Al Tunaiji, Director of SEWA's Central Region Department, stated that electricity network development projects are ongoing in the region. Over the past few months, the Authority has carried out electrical cable extensions totalling 81.7 kilometres as part of a broader infrastructure modernisation plan. The initiative includes replacing large portions of the existing network with higher-efficiency cables capable of greater load capacity, which contributes to reducing energy loss and improving the efficiency and stability of the power grid. He noted that power has been connected to more than 45 projects across residential, agricultural, industrial, and governmental areas. This comes in response to the increasing demand for electricity, especially in regions witnessing rapid urban and economic growth. As part of its strategic plan to enhance service quality and ensure the reliability of electricity supply, SEWA has started installing new substations in multiple locations. A comprehensive plan has also been initiated to eliminate overhead power lines in the region and replace them with underground cables. Work is currently underway to implement this vital project across the Central Region. Among the key government projects recently connected to the electricity network are the Dairy Farm, Sharjah Safari, Friday Market, Wheat Farm, Jubail Market, University of Al Dhaid, Falconers Club, Wildlife Museum, Al Dhaid Mosque, Al Sahwa School, Nizwa School, and several other developments. He affirmed that the Authority remains committed to the continuous improvement of its services according to the highest technical standards, in line with Sharjah's vision to support infrastructure development, achieve sustainable growth, and provide reliable and safe electricity services to all sectors.
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
'No more lifting heavy cylinders': Sharjah residents relieved as Al Qutainah gets piped gas
Residents of Al Qutainah in Sharjah are now less worried about gas supply to their homes as their community is now connected to the city's natural gas network by the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), replacing the long-used LPG cylinders with a safer, more convenient piped supply. For many longtime residents of Al Qutainah, the shift to piped gas has brought welcome relief. 'We've been waiting for this for years,' Mohamed Al Amin, who has lived in the neighbourhood for over 30 years, told Khaleej Times. 'No more worrying about running out of gas or lifting heavy cylinders; it's safer and much easier now.' 'It's more about safety,' another resident in the community added. Recently, in Dubai, two fires happened at a neighbourhood in Al Barsha in a span of two weeks. One was confirmed to be caused by a leak from a gas cylinder at a restaurant. Safety experts have warned residents to take extra precautions when handling gas cylinders, especially during the summer months, when extreme heat significantly increases the risk of gas-related accidents. Meanwhile, the newly completed Al Qutainah 1 gas pipeline project spans 18 kilometres and has reached more than 350 homes so far. SEWA confirmed that 53 per cent of the network in the area has been completed, with the remaining work progressing steadily. The total investment for the project has exceeded Dh1.7 million. The move marks a key milestone in SEWA's plan to expand natural gas services across the emirate. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Eng. Ibrahim Al Balgouni, Director of SEWA's Natural Gas Department, said: 'This is part of our broader strategy to bring natural gas services to all residential and commercial areas in Sharjah.' 'We are working under the directives of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to ensure energy services are safe, reliable, and accessible across the emirate,' he added. Al Balgouni said SEWA continues to prioritise safety and efficiency, with every project executed according to international standards. 'We are conducting ongoing studies to extend the gas network and build the necessary infrastructure to accommodate current and future demand,' he added. 'It's a great improvement. SEWA has done a fantastic job making this transition smooth for all of us – from using gas cylinders to being connected to the city's natural gas network,' said Al Qutainah resident Hamad A. Al Zarouni. SEWA is also gearing up to expand natural gas coverage to several new districts in the coming months, including Al Suyoh, Al Hoshi, and Al Rahmaniya. These areas are among the fastest-growing residential zones in Sharjah and will be fully integrated into the network through new pumping stations and distribution pipelines currently under design.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bindu case: SEWA Union takes out march to State Police Chief's office
Domestic workers under the banner of the SEWA (Self Employed Women's Association) Union took out a march to the office of the State Police Chief demanding immediate action against police officers and the employer of Bindu, a Dalit domestic worker who was illegally detained on a false charge of stealing a gold necklace from her employer's house. Activists Mercy Alexander of Sakhi, Vinitha Vijayan, Sreeja Neyyattinkara, SEWA Union president Ramani B. and secretary Sonia George, and Seeta Dasan, also of SEWA, led the march. Inaugurating a dharna later, Ms. Alexander said the police action at the instance of Ms. Bindu's employer was shameful to an enlightened society that Kerala was. They sought against Ms. Bindu's employer, dismissal from service of Peroorkada sub inspector Prasad, and compensation for loss of job and dignity. The SEWA Union warned of strong protests if the Home department did not take steps to get justice for Ms. Bindu.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SEWA launches new phase of home rationalisation initiative
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has launched a new phase of its home improvement programme, which is set to assist over 7,000 families in Sharjah facing financial difficulties due to increasing living costs. Majid Harimel Al Shamsi, SEWA's Executive Director of Corporate Support, emphasised that the agency's goal is to encourage the responsible use of resources to ensure they are available for future generations, helping create a greener future. This initiative is part of a wider effort to enhance the living standards of families, reduce their utility bills, and support sustainable development. Al Shamsi also mentioned that SEWA is eager to reach more families through the Home Rationalization Initiative. The programme aims to upgrade homes with modern technologies that conserve electricity and water, resulting in lower utility bills and a positive impact on resource usage. Rashid Al Marzouqi, the Director of the Media and Communications Department at SEWA, shared that the authority is committed to providing the latest technologies to help families use less energy and water. They will also educate these families on how to effectively use and care for energy-saving devices. The progress of the initiative will be regularly assessed to ensure it meets its goals. Al Marzouqi explained that previous phases of this initiative have already benefited more than 6,353 homes. He discussed plans for this new phase, which aims to support 7,677 families eligible for financial assistance due to inflation.
