Latest news with #SmartCitiesMission
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Reimagining the urban future
The past few monsoons have revealed the disquieting inadequacy of urban planning and infrastructure in India. This season, the cities in the National Capital Region, for instance, are struggling to function after intense rainfall, thanks to clogged drains and construction that disregards topography. In summer, many cities report heat deaths and crippling water shortages. Against this backdrop, the findings of the World Bank's Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India report should be a wake-up call. To blunt the triple threat of flooding, water scarcity, and heat, India's urban centres need a minimum investment of $2.4 trillion by 2050, the report estimates. While investments in the urban sector have been scaled up through initiatives such as AMRUT, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the PM-AWAS Yojana, and the recently concluded Smart Cities Mission, there is still a huge gap. And to make the most of even the available funds, city administrations need adequate capacity to prepare impactful projects, ensure proper implementation, and monitor their effectiveness in the long-run. The problem of capacities runs deeper than just the ability to spend funds. What cities lack is the ability to raise finances — even basic user charges for municipal services and taxes are not adequately collected. To employ innovative instruments such as green municipal bonds or getting the private sector to partner in building the climate resilience would require city administrations to set their house in order. More importantly, power and finances need to be adequately devolved to urban local bodies. To that end, executive and political imagination needs to be unlocked to suit the future needs. These findings outline the challenges — financial, environmental, and administrative — that lie ahead. Without adequate spending on climate adaptation infrastructure — better drainage, architecture that reduces the need for cooling and lighting — an urban crisis looms. For instance, heat mitigation measures can save up to 130,000 lives and increase the GDP by 0.4% a year, against the backdrop of exposure to dangerous heat stress having doubled between 1983-1990 and 2010-2016 in 10 of India's largest cities. Similarly, losses from pluvial flooding could worsen without regular upkeep and upgrades of the drainage system. All this calls for urgent municipal action, especially since India's urban population is expected to rise from 480 million in 2020 to 950 million by 2050. That only half the infrastructure needed to support the growth in urban population has been built (as the report says) is both a challenge and an opportunity. The report's recommendation that a dedicated national urban resilience programme be developed along with a financing strategy needs a close look.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India may need up to $13.4 trillion for urban climate resilience by 2070: Report
New Delhi: As India's cities expand rapidly, building climate-resilient infrastructure will come at a massive cost. A new report by World Resources Institute (WRI) India and GIZ estimates that India may need as much as $13.4 trillion by 2070 to prepare its urban areas for climate risks, including floods, heatwaves, and other extreme weather events. Based on a moderate urbanisation projection of 54 per cent by 2050 and 66 per cent by 2070, the total investment needed would be $2.9 trillion by 2050 and $13.4 trillion by 2070. Even under a conservative urbanisation scenario—where 43 per cent of the population is urban by 2050 and 52 per cent by 2070—the estimated funding requirement is $2.4 trillion and $10.9 trillion, respectively. The report titled 'Mainstreaming Urban Climate Resilience: A Policy and Institutional Framework for India' underlines that more than 80 per cent of the infrastructure that will exist in Indian cities by 2050 is yet to be built, and unless resilience is embedded in future construction, India could face massive financial, social, and environmental losses. By 2030, India's urban population is projected to reach 600 million, accounting for 40 per cent of the national population. These urban centres will be responsible for more than 70 per cent of India's GDP, consume 75 per cent of natural resources, and emit 80 per cent of the country's greenhouse gases, the report notes. 'Integrating climate resilience in urban infrastructure is a necessity. Without it, the cascading impacts of urban floods, heatwaves and other climate-induced events could have serious consequences for energy, water, housing and transport systems,' said Madhav Pai, CEO of WRI India. The report identifies key institutional, governance, and financing gaps and proposes a roadmap for integrating resilience into urban development. It recommends the formation of dedicated climate resilience cells at city and state levels, integrating resilience into financial planning and public budgets, and strengthening risk-informed planning through data and digital platforms. The study also calls for streamlining roles among central, state, and local agencies, aligning existing urban missions such as Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and National Mission on Sustainable Habitat with climate resilience goals, and attracting long-term investments through appropriate policy reforms. The report supports India's commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and aligns with national programmes such as the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat. It also calls for streamlining responsibilities among central, state and local agencies and creating enabling conditions to attract long-term infrastructure investments aligned with climate resilience goals.
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Rs 28-crore Chathiram bus stand in Tiruchy reduced to parking lot, traders' hub
TIRUCHY: The Chathiram bus stand, which was renovated at a cost of Rs 28 crore under the Smart Cities Mission and inaugurated by Chief Minister MK Stalin in December 2021, today presents a picture of neglect. Regular commuters say facilities have fallen into disuse, and traders are using the walkways and bus bays to display their wares and park vehicles. Officials in the Tiruchy city corporation blame transport department an police for the situation. The bus stand has thirty bus bays and caters to at least one lakh people daily. Both private and government buses are operated from here to Samayapuram, Lalgudi, Manachanallur, Thuvakudi, Inamkulathur, and Mukkombu. Despite the huge investment and planning, the absence of regulation and enforcement frustrates commuters. One of the major issues pointed out by them is failure of crew to park buses in their designated bays. Without a proper parking system or enforcement mechanism, bus drivers stop at random locations, creating traffic congestion and confusion. Further, despite having dedicated areas, shopkeepers, police personnel, and bus crew park their two-wheelers in bus bays and on the walkways. What tops the list of commuter woes is the closure of passenger waiting hall for over a year, forcing people to stand or sit on the platforms as no other seating arrangement is available. Commuters also flag the lack of safety and say two-wheelers use the premises as short cut to cross the busy road outside. Allowing them free access into the bus stand is a risk, they say.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How climate-resilient infrastructure can shape India's future
India is in the process of a major infrastructure transformation. Launched in 2019, the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) was set up to invest $1.5 trillion (₹111 lakh crore) across critical sectors such as energy, transport, water, and urban development between 2020 and 2025. As of early 2024, 21% of projects were completed and approximately 46% were under implementation. With the NIP nearing its conclusion, the government is expected to announce a fresh five-year roadmap later this year to further accelerate development. India's urban population is projected to nearly double, from 432 million in 2021 to 820 million by 2047. Much of this growth is happening in Tier II and III cities. However, this urban expansion is unfolding against the backdrop of increasingly frequent and severe climate events that bring with it new challenges. As new infrastructure takes shape, there's a clear need to make it stronger and better prepared for climate-related risks. Building with climate resilience in mind is no longer optional—it's essential for long-term impact. Climate vulnerabilities and risks Under the Smart Cities Mission, over 100 cities across India—including newer hubs like Dharamsala, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Davanagere—are being equipped with modern infrastructure. As these cities evolve, the threat of extreme weather events makes it crucial to embed climate resilience into every layer of planning. According to the Climate Risk Index, India ranks sixth globally among countries most affected by extreme weather events over the last three decades, with over 400 events leading to more than 80,000 deaths and economic losses amounting to $180 billion. A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) reveals that nearly 57% of Indian districts, housing 76% of the population, are at high to very high risk from extreme heat. These statistics highlight the critical importance of integrating climate resilience into infrastructure planning to safeguard communities and sustain economic development. Embedding climate resilience in infrastructure planning Embedding climate resilience into infrastructure planning is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity to safeguard communities, economies, and ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate. This calls for a paradigm shift from reactive infrastructure development to anticipatory, risk-informed planning. Climate resilience must be woven into every stage of development, and this begins with rethinking how projects are conceived, designed, and executed. A few high-impact strategies include: Integrating blue-green infrastructure Thoughtful use of landscape features like rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, and urban forests not only manage stormwater and reduce urban heat but also enhance biodiversity and liveability in densely built environments. Mainstreaming decentralised renewable and water systems Embedding rooftop solar, water harvesting, and on-site wastewater recycling into project infrastructure reduces pressure on public utilities and enhances resilience against service disruptions. Leveraging technology and climate risk mapping Using data-driven tools—such as GIS-based climate risk assessments and smart building systems—enables developers and city planners to make informed, adaptive decisions that anticipate future environmental stresses. Benefits of climate-resilient infrastructure The transition to climate-resilient infrastructure brings wide-ranging benefits that go beyond environmental protection. Economically, it significantly lowers the lifecycle costs of assets by reducing the need for frequent maintenance and disaster-related repairs, potentially cutting long-term infrastructure expenses by up to 70%. Beyond cost savings, climate-smart infrastructure also improves public health and creates new job opportunities. Buildings that use natural ventilation, non-toxic materials, and efficient cooling systems not only reduce energy use but also provide healthier indoor environments—critical in a country facing rising heatwaves and air pollution. According to the Green Industry Outlook report by TeamLease Digital, the green transition is expected to generate nearly 50 million new jobs in sectors such as clean energy, construction, and environmental services, contributing up to $15 trillion to India's economy. These combined benefits make investing in climate resilience not just wise—but essential for the country's long-term growth and well-being. Integration with national policies and global commitments India is steadily aligning its infrastructure vision with climate resilience through emerging national policies and initiatives. The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) integrates climate risks into long-term planning and mobilizes private finance for adaptive infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable urban areas. At the local level, initiatives like Patna's Samagra Udyan Yojana are transforming cityscapes with green corridors, riverfront gardens, and eco-friendly materials, setting templates for sustainable urban development. At a global level, India continues to lead with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which promotes climate-proof infrastructure across sectors. These efforts reinforce India's commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and the Paris Agreement, ensuring that future infrastructure is not only sustainable but also equipped to handle the intensifying impacts of climate change. Conclusion As India continues its rapid urbanization, integrating climate resilience into infrastructure planning is not just an environmental imperative but an economic and social necessity. By adopting green certifications, leveraging supportive policies, and embracing digital innovations, India can build infrastructure that not only withstands climate challenges but also promotes sustainable growth and improved quality of life for its citizens.
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah: Touted as 24×7 water supply project, but now facing serious financial irregularities' allegation
The ambitious Rs 75-crore 24×7 water supply project launched in Manimajra last year is now facing serious allegations of mismanagement and financial irregularities. With mounting public complaints about poor water quality and erratic supply, and political parties trading charges, the matter has snowballed into a full-blown controversy, with now the Vigilance Bureau and the Chandigarh Human Rights Commission probing the incident. The project, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 4, 2024, was hailed as a pilot initiative under the Smart Cities Mission to provide uninterrupted, pressurised water supply to Manimajra residents. However, nearly a year later, residents allege that the water supply has never functioned 24×7 and that they continue to receive muddy and low-pressure water. Residents say no regular water supply even for a day Pooja Bhajni, a resident of Manimajra, recalled that in the initial days after the project launch, the water pressure was strong enough to reach the fourth floor without a motor. But now, she says, 'even second-floor residents need electric pumps to get water'. Another resident, Naveen Sharma, echoed the concern, saying, 'we never got 24×7 water as promised. The supply is irregular and often muddy. Even today, if you fill a bucket, the water looks contaminated. The authorities must investigate the source and fix it'. Mayor says matter must be probed at 'highest level' Chandigarh Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, responding to residents' outcry and the ongoing inquiry, said, 'if something wrong has happened, we need to investigate the reasons — why muddy water is coming into Manimajra homes, and why the 24×7 supply is not functioning. The matter must be investigated deeply and at the highest level possible. We do not want people to suffer by receiving dirty water or inadequate supply'. The Vigilance Bureau of Chandigarh has already registered a formal inquiry following a complaint by Chandigarh BJP president Jatinder Pal Malhotra, who alleged gross irregularities in project implementation. Malhotra also wrote to the Union Home Minister seeking an in-depth probe into the misuse of public funds. Meanwhile, AAP Chandigarh president Vijay Pal Singh has slammed the ongoing vigilance probe, calling it 'compromised and directionless'. He alleged that senior bureaucrats and political figures were pressuring investigators and claimed the irregularities — technical, financial, and administrative — were too widespread to have occurred without the involvement of top officials and influential political actors. The Chandigarh Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu notice of the issue, stating that the project was launched without replacing decades-old pipelines, which may be a key reason for the dirty and unsafe water. The Commission has directed both the Vigilance Department and the Chief Engineer of the Municipal Corporation to submit detailed reports a week before the next hearing date of July 31. Additionally, the concerned Executive Engineer (XEN) has been summoned to appear in person.
