India’s rapid urbanisation presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. The demands of the growing population create pressure on the cities related to waste and chemical management, energy demands, air and water pollution, loss of urban green cover, and vulnerability to extreme climate events. The burden of these environmental stresses is borne disproportionately by the marginalised communities, especially the urban poor.
The project will strengthen the capacities of community-based organisations, local urban institutions, and informal sector groups to adopt nature-based and low-carbon solutions. Pilot Interventions may include decentralised composting and plastic recycling units, urban biodiversity corridors, sustainable transport and mobility innovations, rooftop gardening for food and cooling, and urban wetland restoration. These efforts complement national schemes like the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
