Latest news with #UrbanAdda2025
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Urban Adda 2025: Aravalli collapse will cripple NCR's climate defences, warn experts
As bulldozers inch deeper into the Aravallis and unchecked urban sprawl carves away its ancient ridgelines, experts at Urban Adda 2025 issued a stark warning — the degradation of the Aravalli ecosystem could upend Delhi-NCR's fight against air pollution, water scarcity, and urban heat. Speaking at a panel co-hosted by GuruJal and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi, environmentalists called the Aravallis not just a green buffer but the region's last line of defence against environmental disaster. 'Creeks and groundwater recharge zones are vanishing,' said Dr Ranjana Ray Chaudhuri of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). 'This is not just biodiversity loss — it's a suicide pact with climate.' The warning is particularly relevant to Gurugram, where encroachments into the protected Aravalli range have intensified. Despite court orders and safeguards under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), large tracts of forest land have been carved up for illegal farmhouses, luxury villas and wedding venues in areas such as Raisina, Gwal Pahari, Sohna, Ghata, and Basai Mev. Entire hillsides have been flattened to make way for private estates, often registered as agricultural land on paper. Activists said the scale of tree-felling and topsoil stripping has triggered aquifer collapse, desertification, and a dramatic loss of native wildlife. Chetan Agarwal, forest analyst and senior fellow at CEDAR, said Delhi-NCR's next Master Plan must integrate natural conservation zones (NCZs) with legal mandates. 'We can't afford another planning document that ignores the ecological spine of this region. The Aravallis are not empty land for exploitation — they're living infrastructure essential for resilience.' Nidhi Madan of Raahgiri Foundation echoed the urgency, calling the destruction 'an irreversible ecological crime'. 'Cities must adapt to the geography they occupy — not bulldoze it. What's happening in the Aravallis is not growth, it is erasure,' she said. The panel called for an empowered Aravalli Conservation Taskforce to crack down on illegal construction, monitor deforestation, and prosecute offenders. They also pushed for a joint conservation pact between Haryana and Rajasthan, backed by the Supreme Court's central empowered committee (CEC), to conduct updated surveys and rehabilitate degraded zones. As Delhi-NCR grapples with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and worsening air quality, the message at Urban Adda was unequivocal: saving the Aravallis is no longer optional — it's the survival strategy for the capital.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Urban Adda 2025: Panel bats for urgent dialogue on urban water crisis
New Delhi: On the final day of Urban Adda 2025—a three-day conclave convened by the Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), Gurujal, and Nagarro—a thought-provoking panel titled, 'Imagining Water Secure Cities' placed the spotlight firmly on India's urban water emergency. Held on World Environment Day, the session served as both a call to action and a showcase of innovation amid worsening water stress across India's expanding cities. The panel, moderated by urban affairs specialist Vandana Menon, brought together leading voices in governance, community action, corporate innovation, and creative media. Speakers included Archana Verma, Additional Secretary of the National Water Mission; Maulik Sisodia of Tarun Bharat Sangh; Avinash Mishra of CII and former advisor to NITI Aayog; and award-winning filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda. The conversation explored what it means for cities to become 'water secure' and how to shift from consumption-driven systems to those rooted in conservation and stewardship. The panelists collectively emphasised that water sustainability isn't merely a policy issue—it is a cultural, social, and infrastructural challenge requiring deep citizen engagement. During the session, a Rainwater Harvesting Calculator was launched, offering urban residents and developers a real-time tool to assess and adopt water recharge solutions. This innovative step marked a pragmatic leap toward building climate-resilient infrastructure in Indian cities. The urgency of the discussion found resonance in the context of Gurugram, a city emblematic of India's water crisis. Despite being one of the wealthiest districts in Haryana, Gurugram struggles with groundwater depletion, unchecked urbanisation, and broken stormwater systems. Residents routinely depend on private tankers for water, while encroachments on natural water bodies have worsened flood risks during monsoons. Government efforts to revive bundhs and enforce groundwater harvesting rules have seen limited success due to lax implementation. The day's sessions closed with an emphatic plenary by Haryana's Environment and Forest Minister, Rao Narbir Singh. Speaking to a packed audience, Singh called for a cultural shift in sustainability, starting at the individual level. 'We have to stop blaming governments and start taking ownership,' he said. Using his own family as an example, Singh said he had opted for digital invitations for both his children's weddings. 'Not a single card was printed. That's how simple the change can be,' he added. Calling single-use plastic the 'scourge of modern living,' Singh urged for an immediate state-wide ban and encouraged citizens to adopt alternatives. He underscored the importance of intergenerational collaboration, urging elders to guide youth toward greener choices. 'Our future depends not on big speeches but on small, consistent actions,' he said. As the panelists dispersed and attendees pledged greater environmental responsibility, one message stood clear: water-secure cities are not a distant dream but a collective commitment—beginning with today's choices. Simultaneously, despite years of awareness drives and penalties announced by the state government, single-use plastic continues to flood Gurugram's markets. Street vendors, grocery stores, and even high-end delivery services are routinely seen flouting the norms. Plastic waste clogs stormwater drains and chokes water bodies, further complicating water management and sanitation efforts. Residents and environmentalists have repeatedly flagged this issue, demanding stricter action and better alternatives. Even in upscale sectors, residents spend thousands each week on water sourced through private tankers, many of which draw from illegal borewells. These tankers are not only expensive but often unregulated, raising serious questions about quality and health safety. Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram admit that enforcement is weak, particularly in unauthorised colonies where tanker operators face little to no checks. In Gurugram, the urgency of the discussion found particularly sharp resonance. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, massive investment in infrastructure, and regulatory directives from multiple agencies, the city continues to face rampant misuse and commodification of water. Every summer, hundreds of residential colonies fall prey to an entrenched water tanker mafia that thrives amid the city's chronic water shortages.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
‘Clean fuel norms will transform NCR by 2026': CAQM chief Rajesh Verma
The National Capital Region (NCR) is undergoing a critical transformation in the way it moves — not just in terms of technology, but in vision, said Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) chairperson Rajesh Verma on Thursday, making a strong case for clean mobility on World Environment Day. Speaking at Urban Adda 2025, a three-day event hosted by the Raahgiri Foundation, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), and GuruJal, Verma delivered the keynote address on the final day, underscoring that vehicular emissions remain at the heart of NCR's air pollution crisis. HT is a media partner for the event. 'Among the many contributors to air pollution, vehicular emissions remain one of the most pressing issues,' Verma said, highlighting how the explosive growth in vehicle numbers has vastly outpaced infrastructure. 'Between 1981 and 2021, the number of vehicles in Delhi grew 21-fold, while the road length only doubled.' Verma said, stating vehicles were growing at a much rapid pace, thus making the transition to cleaner fuels a slow but gradual exercise. Delhi today has 15.2 million registered vehicles growing at 6% annually, while the rest of NCR accounts for another 11.4 million vehicles, growing at an even faster 8%. Although the Capital occupies just 2.7% of NCR's land area, it houses 57% of its vehicles — placing extraordinary strain on infrastructure and contributing significantly to the region's toxic air, Verma said. Since its establishment in 2021, the CAQM has pushed aggressively to clean up transport — from public to private. 'We have adopted an integrated and sustained strategy,' Verma said, involving cleaner fuels, faster EV adoption, and improvements in public transport access and reliability. The data shared also showed that much of the fleet remains dependent on polluting fuels. Verma shared data that 82% of vehicles in Delhi still run on petrol, 7% on diesel, 8% on CNG, and only 2.8% are electric or hybrid. Just 18% of the city's fleet is BS-IV compliant. 'Older vehicles — BS-IV and below — are responsible for nearly 70% of the city's vehicular pollution. Phasing them out is a key priority,' he said. Expanding EV infrastructure is central to this transition. Charging stations have rapidly multiplied across NCR, creating the ecosystem needed to support electric mobility. The CAQM has also tightened norms for new vehicles. Since January 2023, registration of diesel-run auto-rickshaws has been banned in NCR, with a complete phase-out due by December 2026. From November this year, only cleaner-fuel commercial goods vehicles will be allowed into Delhi. Beginning November 1, 2026, buses and All India Tourist Permit vehicles entering Delhi must be electric, CNG, or BS-VI compliant. The government is also targeting fast-growing logistics sectors. 'Aggregator fleets, delivery vehicles, and e-commerce logistics are growing faster than any other category,' Verma said. From January 1, 2026, only CNG or EVs can be added to these fleets — no new diesel or petrol vehicles will be permitted. 'These measures will be enforced through advanced surveillance systems and integrated command centres,' Verma said, stressing the importance of complementing technology with strong on-ground enforcement. 'We're working closely with enforcement agencies to ensure this is implemented properly.' Verma said the region is already beginning to see the results of these efforts. 'Since 2018, the number of good to moderate AQI days in Delhi has increased by 30%. Poor to severe days have reduced by nearly a quarter,' he said. Calling for continued collaboration, Verma said, 'Air pollution is a dynamic challenge that demands vigilance, innovation, and constant enforcement. CAQM is committed to bringing global best practices to India, striking a balance between present-day needs and a sustainable future.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Time for a war on pollution': Delhi's EV and dust control push takes shape at Urban Adda 2025
NEW DELHI: Urban Adda 2025 wrapped up on World Environment Day after three days of discussion, policy announcements, and public engagement focused on clean mobility, gender equity, and sustainable urban design. Organised by the Raahgiri Foundation in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, and supported by Nagarro, the event brought together over 600 participants across 30 sessions at the India Habitat Centre. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurating the summit on World Bicycle Day, reflected on his personal use of cycling for commuting and called for a cultural shift: 'Cycling is the best form of exercise and the solution to pollution. Let's shed the idea that it's only for a certain class. It must become a national movement.' The first day saw Delhi Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh announce the upcoming launch of Delhi's EV Policy 2.0, which aims to address last-mile safety, eliminate bus shortages, and improve transport governance. 'It's not just about how many buses, but whether people feel safe in them,' he said. The second day spotlighted gender and urban mobility, with actor and entrepreneur Pooja Bedi saying, 'Our commute isn't travel, it's survival. A medal is reaching home without trauma.' Her remarks called attention to the daily challenges faced by women in public transport. Rajasthan minister Rajyavardhan Rathore spoke about the success of rural electrification in his state, while discussions on electric vehicle localisation warned against blindly replicating internal combustion engine models. 'EV localisation must follow demand, not dictate it,' said Neha Jain of JSW MG Motors. The final day focused on climate resilience and public transport governance. ICCT and IIT Roorkee released a comprehensive review of EV emissions. CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma warned of unchecked vehicle growth: 'Vehicles have increased 21 times since 1981—but roads have barely doubled.' Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, cited the economic and health toll of pollution in Delhi and called for immediate reforms, including electrification of two- and three-wheelers and adoption of solar-powered technologies in small industries. 'Delhi loses Rs 100,000 crore and 6.3 years of life expectancy annually to pollution. It's time for a war against it,' he said. The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CAQM and the Raahgiri Foundation to develop a Resources Lab for dust pollution mitigation in NCR cities.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
India wants EVs—but where are they? Experts flag supply gaps
Urbanisation isn't a threat—it's a launchpad for innovation, equity, and sustainability, said MP and former Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Wednesday, as speakers at Urban Adda 2025 weighed in on how Indian cities can become future-ready and inclusive. But as urban centres expand, the conversation quickly turned to one of the key transitions underway: the commercial shift to electric vehicles (EVs). In a dedicated session, entrepreneurs and mobility experts flagged how the momentum is being slowed by infrastructure and policy bottlenecks, as well as missteps in India's push for localisation. They agreed that there is demand for commercial EVs, but the supply has been inadequate. Chanpreet Singh, co-founder of Bushwitz, said cost parity remains a major barrier for fleet operators. 'The cost difference between traditional and electric vehicles is around 50-400%, but operating cost is one-third or one-fourth. Logistics owners want to switch, but they've been working in a plug-and-play system they understand. EVs still suffer from inconsistent charging ports, patchy infrastructure, and restricted supply,' he said. Singh also warned against copying internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle formats in the EV segment. 'We should allow mature global products to enter and let Indian players develop independently. Rushing to localise without readiness risks eroding both performance and customer trust,' he said. Neha Jain of JSW MG Motors argued that sustainability is not enough of a market driver on its own. 'No Indian buyer is going to pay more simply because a vehicle is made locally. The push for localisation will follow scale, not the other way around,' she said. IV Rao, distinguished fellow at TERI, said the old assumption that localisation automatically leads to lower costs may no longer hold. 'With highly automated manufacturing for key components like battery cells already established in China, India's cost advantage isn't as straightforward as before,' he said. Organised by Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal at the India Habitat Centre, the three-day Urban Adda brings together voices in mobility, public space, sustainability, and governance. Hindustan Times is the media partner for the event. The day closed with a session celebrating the arts as a cornerstone of inclusive urban design. Artists, designers and city storytellers discussed how culture can stitch together fragmented urban experiences, preserve heritage, and foster civic identity. On the sidelines, Gurujal and Xebia also announced a new water neutrality project in Jaipur's Smriti Van, focusing on rejuvenating water bodies and wastewater reuse.
