Strategies for Climate Resilient Cities in India

Building Climate Resilient Cities in India

Building climate resilient cities in India is essential due to the country's vulnerability to climate change effects such as extreme heat, flooding, and water scarcity. The government, along with urban planners and stakeholders, is employing various strategies to bolster urban resilience.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure

• Smart Cities Mission: Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to develop 100 cities with sustainable and citizen-friendly infrastructure. It incorporates climate-resilient features such as efficient water management, renewable energy integration, and green building practices.
• Urban Green Cover: The National Mission for Green India targets increasing urban forest cover to mitigate heat island effects. Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai are implementing urban forestry programs to enhance green spaces.
• Sponge City Concept: Cities like Indore and Bhubaneswar are adopting this approach, creating permeable surfaces and rain gardens to absorb and store rainwater, thus reducing flood risks.

Water Management

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: This campaign emphasizes water conservation and rainwater harvesting. Cities are required to implement rainwater harvesting systems in public buildings and large residential complexes.
• National River Conservation Plan: This program aims to reduce pollution in major rivers, indirectly benefiting urban areas by ensuring cleaner water sources.
• Decentralized Wastewater Treatment: Cities like Pune are implementing localized sewage treatment plants to relieve pressure on centralized systems and enhance water quality.

Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy

• Solar Cities Program: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy promotes solar energy adoption in urban areas. Cities like Gandhinagar have implemented large-scale rooftop solar projects.
• Energy Conservation Building Code: This mandatory code ensures energy efficiency in new commercial buildings, reducing urban energy demand and associated emissions.
• Electric Vehicle Policy: Many states, including Delhi and Maharashtra, have introduced policies to promote electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, aiming to reduce urban air pollution.

Disaster Management

• National Disaster Management Plan: Updated in 2019, this plan provides a framework for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in urban areas.
• Early Warning Systems: Cities like Mumbai have implemented advanced flood warning systems to improve disaster preparedness.
• Heat Action Plans: Cities like Ahmedabad have pioneered comprehensive heat management strategies, including cool roofs, public awareness campaigns, and emergency response protocols.

Financing and Governance

• Green Municipal Bonds: Cities like Ghaziabad and Pune have issued green bonds to finance climate-resilient infrastructure projects.
• City-level Climate Action Plans: Major cities like Delhi and Chennai have developed comprehensive climate action plans addressing mitigation and adaptation strategies.
• Capacity Building: Programs like the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework assist urban local bodies in evaluating and improving their climate resilience.

These interventions illustrate India's multifaceted approach to building climate-resilient cities. However, challenges persist in implementation, financing, and scaling up successful pilots across the country's diverse urban landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are climate resilient cities?
Answer: Climate resilient cities are urban areas designed to withstand climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves, through sustainable infrastructure and planning.

Q2. How does the Smart Cities Mission contribute to urban resilience?
Answer: The Smart Cities Mission enhances urban resilience by developing infrastructure that integrates climate-resilient features, promoting efficient resource management and sustainability.

Q3. What is the purpose of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan?
Answer: The Jal Shakti Abhiyan aims to promote water conservation and rainwater harvesting to ensure sustainable water management in urban areas across India.

Q4. What role do urban green covers play in climate adaptation?
Answer: Urban green covers mitigate heat island effects, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity, contributing to climate adaptation and overall urban resilience.

Q5. How are cities financing climate-resilient projects?
Answer: Cities finance climate-resilient projects through mechanisms like green municipal bonds and climate action plans, aimed at ensuring sustainable urban development.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary goal of the Smart Cities Mission in India?
A) To reduce urban pollution
B) To develop 100 sustainable cities
C) To increase urban green cover
D) To promote electric vehicles
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which initiative focuses on water conservation and rainwater harvesting?
A) National River Conservation Plan
B) Smart Cities Mission
C) Jal Shakti Abhiyan
D) Solar Cities Program
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What does the Sponge City concept aim to achieve?
A) Increase urban population
B) Reduce flood risks through water absorption
C) Promote electric vehicle usage
D) Enhance air quality
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Which city is known for pioneering heat action plans in India?
A) Mumbai
B) Ahmedabad
C) Delhi
D) Pune
Correct Answer: B