Globally, the United Nations predicts that by 2050, urban areas will be home to 70% of the world’s population. Similarly, in India, projections estimate that the urban population will reach 600 million by the year 2030. These staggering figures underscore the importance of innovative urban planning and sustainable development. In this context, Chandigarh, emerges as a beacon of hope and progress, setting new standards in urban innovation, writes Abhineet Kumar, Senior Sub-Editor of Elets News Network (ENN).
Chandigarh, the dream city of India’s first Prime Minister, Sh. Jawahar Lal Nehru, was planned by the famous French architect Le Corbusier. Picturesquely located at the foothills of Shivaliks, it is known as one of the best experiments in urban planning and modern architecture in the twentieth century in India.
Comparing Indian cities like Mumbai, which has suffered from devastating floods in recent years, with international counterparts like New York, which experienced the destructive impact of Hurricane Sandy, highlights the global challenge of climate change adaptation. These events serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for cities worldwide to prioritise resilience in the face of a changing climate. Fortunately, some cities, like Chandigarh in India, have recognized this imperative and are proactively implementing measures to address it. These efforts include improving infrastructure, enhancing disaster preparedness, and promoting sustainable urban planning, all of which are crucial steps towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for our cities.
Recent Findings
In October 2023, the Janaagaraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, a Bengaluru-based non-profit focused on urban transformation, released the “Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems: Shaping India’s Urban Agenda” (ASICS). The survey assessed city governance and urban planning in India, covering 4,800 cities in 35 states/UTs. Key findings included a significant increase in Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MHUA) funding, but urbanisation challenges persisted. Only 42% of the 74th Constitution Amendment Act provisions were implemented, property tax covered just 20% of municipal expenditure, and many ULB positions were vacant. There were also debates about India’s urban population percentage compared to World Bank and European Commission estimates.
The report recommended 10 “instruments of change” for urban transformation, including spatial development plans, street design standards, constitutional amendments, and digital governance. However, challenges in implementing these recommendations, particularly in land acquisition for spatial plans, were noted. Many organisations and urban experts support empowering urban local bodies and their mayors.
Tackling Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Residential buildings, urban transport, and urban waste systems are the primary sources of urban greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Chandigarh is leading the way in addressing these issues. The transport sector, responsible for 10-13.5% of India’s energy-related CO2 emissions, faces a 4-6% annual increase in emissions due to rising demand. Chandigarh aims to contribute 15% to urban emissions reduction by 2050, a crucial step towards limiting global warming. The city is also striving for 84% of total car sales to be electric vehicles to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Buildings, responsible for 25% of India’s energy use, are a focus of Chandigarh’s efforts.
They aim to reduce building sector electricity use intensity by 45%, despite a projected 700% increase in energy demand by 2050. In the waste sector, accounting for 2.7% of India’s GHG emissions, Chandigarh is working to manage urban solid waste efficiently, with a goal of reducing the projected 1.1 million tonnes daily waste by 2050.
Renewable Strides
The UT Administration is implementing a major solar energy project by installing rooftop solar power plants on 1,500 government houses in Chandigarh. The UT Engineering Department has designated houses in various sectors for these installations, aiming to generate 75MWp by December. This initiative supports clean energy usage, reduces the carbon footprint, and makes the city more eco-friendly. Chandigarh leads in solar power generation among Union Territories, with 63.59MWp installed as of June 20. The goal is to reach 100MWp by 2025 and develop a roadmap for 2030, including floating solar power plants and rooftop installations.
Economic Growth and Green Jobs
Indian cities generate 60% of the national gross domestic product, and by 2050, nearly 60% of the Indian population will live and work in urban areas. Chandigarh is at the forefront of job creation through sustainable initiatives. By 2047, the city aims to create 35 million green jobs, particularly in sectors like green building construction, waste management, electric vehicles, and renewables. The International Labour Organization predicts more than 50 million green jobs between 2020 and 2030, with a significant focus on the same sectors. Chandigarh is already experiencing a surge in green job opportunities, with job postings increasing substantially in recent years.
Electric Vehicle’s Policy
Chandigarh is dedicated to sustainability and environmental well-being, recognizing the urgent need for sustainable transportation. To address this, the Chandigarh Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy was launched in 2022. Over five years, this policy aims to foster EV adoption, support local manufacturing, and improve EV infrastructure.
Key provisions include waiving registration fees, road taxes, and 50% of parking charges for EVs, making them more affordable. The policy also simplifies the registration process with an online system for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers.
The city is committed to reducing the environmental impact of transportation by discontinuing registration of fuel-based two-wheelers from July and four-wheelers from December. This aligns with the broader Electric Vehicle Policy 2022.
Chandigarh invites collaboration with the community, stakeholders, and industry partners to make the city a model for sustainable transportation, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment for all residents. Join us on this journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable Chandigarh.
Chandigarh’s Digital Initiatives
Chandigarh’s Smart City initiative has achieved remarkable success with its cutting-edge technologies. The Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) and the Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) have set a global standard for efficient traffic management. These systems work in harmony to optimise traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve road safety, making Chandigarh’s roads safer and more efficient.
The Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) is yet another testament to the city’s progress. It serves as a centralised hub for monitoring and managing various municipal services, enhancing overall city performance. With real-time data and advanced analytics, the ICCC enables quicker responses to emergencies, efficient resource allocation, and improved public service delivery.
Chandigarh’s Smart City project stands as a shining example of how smart technology can transform urban living for the better.
Waste & Water Management
Over the past two years, Chandigarh municipality has taken a comprehensive approach to waste management, going beyond the typical separation of wet and dry waste. It has categorised waste into 10 to 12 distinct segments, each linked to specific recycling facilities.
A standout example is our handling of sanitary waste, where it has gone from collecting 15 kilograms daily in November 2021 to efficiently managing 500 kilograms daily, ensuring proper disposal and recycling.
Its initiatives also include innovative projects like “Project Arpan,” converting temple floral waste into useful products. Additionally, our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) centre encourages community involvement in repairing and redistributing used clothing, electronics, and footwear.
In conclusion, Chandigarh’s waste management strategies offer a comprehensive model for other cities to consider adapting to their unique circumstances.
Also Read | Chandigarh: A Beacon of Urban Innovation for a Sustainable Future
Globally, the 600 largest cities account for approximately 60% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While countries like France, Italy, China, Germany, and the UK treat over 95% of used water, their reuse percentages vary. Chandigarh is actively exploring water reuse strategies to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Embracing The Doughnut Economic Theory
Chandigarh has embraced the Doughnut Economic Theory, providing a framework for responsible urban development. This sustainable economic model balances human socio-physical needs with nine planetary (environmental) boundaries, ensuring a “safe and just space” for humanity within these limits. It emphasises collective responsibility to curtail ecological overshoots while ensuring fairness and inclusivity, especially for vulnerable communities.
In conclusion, Chandigarh stands as a beacon of urban innovation and sustainability, setting an inspiring example for cities worldwide. Its visionary initiatives provide a blueprint for the creation of resilient, green, and prosperous urban centres capable of addressing the 21st century’s challenges.
As we move towards a future where cities play an increasingly pivotal role on our planet, Chandigarh’s commitment to these principles becomes all the more vital. It demonstrates that with strategic planning, environmental consciousness, and a dedication to the well-being of its residents, a city can flourish while minimising its ecological footprint. Chandigarh’s success story encourages cities everywhere to embrace similar approaches, fostering a more sustainable and livable future for all.
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