India’s policy landscape for urban development has been progressively shifting to prioritize low-carbon, equitable, and resilient urban growth. This transformation is driven by the need to mitigate the impacts of climate change, address social inequalities, and enhance the urban resilience of communities, especially in the face of rapid urbanization.

Policy Framework for Low-Carbon Urban Development

India’s heavy reliance on coal for energy production remains one of the primary challenges in reducing carbon emissions. However, significant strides are being made towards sustainable energy solutions. One such initiative is the Rooftop Solar Yojana, which aims to provide 300 units of free monthly electricity from rooftop solar panels to one crore households, promoting solar energy use and reducing dependence on coal-based electricity (National Portal for Rooftop Solar, n.d.). Other efforts include promoting low-carbon transportation through metro rail systems, electric vehicle incentives under the FAME India scheme, and the development of cycling infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly streets (National Automotive Board, n.d.). These initiatives aim to reduce emissions from the transport sector, one of the largest contributors to air pollution in urban India.

The CSEP Electricity & Carbon Tracker, CII Climate Action Programme (CAP 2.0), and India GHG Platform are also key tools that support India’s transition to a low-carbon urban future (Kaushik, n.d.). These frameworks provide the necessary data and policy recommendations to guide urban planners and local governments in achieving carbon neutrality.

Climate Action Plans and Initiatives

India has developed several national and local-level climate action plans to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), released in 2008, outlines a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation and sustainable development (Ministry of Environment, 2021). At the local level, the Climate Smart Cities (CSC) project developed by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) provides cities with technical support, training, and peer learning opportunities to adopt smart solutions that promote climate resilience and sustainability (C-Cube, n.d.).

The Climate Resilient Cities Action Plan, also developed by NIUA, focuses on both climate change adaptation and mitigation and provides local governments with tailored strategies to address climate vulnerabilities (CapaCITIES India, n.d.).

Tools and Frameworks for Sustainable Urban Planning

The Urban Community Resilience Assessment (UCRA) and Climate Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment (CHVA), developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI), are key tools for assessing vulnerability and engaging marginalized communities in climate-resilient urban planning. These tools help to identify infrastructure gaps and the specific climate risks faced by the urban poor in vulnerable neighborhoods, such as flooding and heatwaves (Rangwala et al., 2018).

The Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) has emerged as an essential tool for urban planners, emphasizing the integration of renewable energy sources and the promotion of green buildings (National Institute of Urban Affairs, 2023).

Challenges and Opportunities for Implementation

While India has made significant progress in developing policies and frameworks for sustainable urban development, challenges remain. These include inadequate funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited capacity at the local government level. Despite the availability of policies to promote equitable development, such as affordable housing schemes and social welfare programs, there remains a gap in ensuring that urban development benefits all segments of society, especially marginalized communities.

To overcome these challenges, innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds, public-private partnerships, and climate finance, can play a crucial role in mobilizing resources for sustainable urban development. Additionally, leveraging technology, such as smart city solutions, green infrastructure, and digital platforms for citizen engagement, can improve the efficiency and inclusivity of urban development initiatives.

By supporting community-led initiatives, strengthening local institutional capacity, and fostering knowledge-sharing, India can ensure that urban development policies are effectively implemented and that cities become more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.

References

• CapaCITIES India. (n.d.). Climate Action. Retrieved May 9, 2024, from https://www.capacitiesindia.org/climateaction/
• C-Cube. (n.d.). Climate Smart Cities. Retrieved May 9, 2024, from https://niua.in/ccube/content/climate-smart-cities
• Kaushik, A. (n.d.). Low-carbon initiatives by Indian cities and options for achieving carbon neutrality.
• Ministry of Environment, F. and C. C. (2021). National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Retrieved from https://dst.gov.in/climate-change-programme
• National Automotive Board (NAB). (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2024, from https://fame2.heavyindustries.gov.in/
• National Institute of Urban Affairs. (2023). State of Cities Towards Low Carbon and Resilient Pathways 2 CITY CLIMATE ALLIANCE. Retrieved from www.niua.org
• National Portal for Rooftop Solar – Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2024, from https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/
• Rangwala, L., Burke, L., Wihanesta, R., Elias-Trostmann, K., & Chandra, M. (2018). Prepared communities: Implementing the urban community resilience assessment in vulnerable neighborhoods of three cities. PreventionWeb. Retrieved from https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/prepared-communities-implementing-urban-community-resilience-assessment-vulnerable
• Rangwala, L., S. Chatterjee, A. Agarwal, B. Khanna, I. Uri, B. Shetty, R.B. Palanichamy, and A. Ramesh. (2024). Climate Resilient Cities: Assessing Differential Vulnerability to Climate Hazards in Urban India. Report. New Delhi: WRI India. Available online at doi.org/10.46830/wrirpt.22.00055.