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India is on the brink of a major demographic shift, with 70% of its population expected to live in urban areas by 2050. This urbanisation trend presents substantial challenges, especially in the context of climate change and sustainability. Recent natural disasters like floods in Chennai & Mumbai and Hurricane Sandy in New York emphasise the need for cities to adapt and innovate for a resilient future.

Urban areas in India are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, driven primarily by residential buildings, transportation, and waste systems. The transport sector alone accounts for 10-13.5% of energy-related CO2 emissions, necessitating a 15% reduction in urban emissions by 2050, with a focus on electric cars. Buildings, responsible for 25% of energy consumption, must reduce electricity use by 45% to meet rising demand. Additionally, the waste sector, responsible for 2.7% of total GHG emissions, is expected to see a significant increase in urban solid waste. However, Indian cities are not just population centres but also economic powerhouses, generating 60% of the national GDP.

In light of these, Chandigarh, celebrated as one of India’s well-planned cities, sets an example for urban innovation. Its sustainable planning, green spaces, and efficient governance serve as benchmarks. The city’s eco-friendly transportation solutions and smart city initiatives demonstrate how innovation can transform urban landscapes.

This issue of eGov magazine emphasises the importance of innovative solutions for urban sustainability, with a focus on Chandigarh’s transformation. It contains enlightening articles and interviews that delve into the strategies that have made Chandigarh a model for urban development.

The magazine also features a comprehensive event report on the 12th Knowledge Exchange Summit held in Kochi this October which focused focused on transforming digital governance, a crucial aspect of urban innovation. Our upcoming 4th Elets National Urban Innovation Summit, in collaboration with Chandigarh Smart City and Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, is our small step towards fostering sustainable urbanisation in the country.

As we navigate the complexities of urbanisation, it is clear that the need for urban innovation has never been more urgent. Chandigarh’s incredible transformation serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that visionary planning and innovative thinking can create sustainable, livable cities.

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