The making and unmaking of Goa’s unique alternative urbanity
Back in 1986, Goa had put in place land zoning plans which ensured that its agricultural lands, ecological systems, and…
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This Edition
Shruti Narayan on climate finance
Lesser-known world summits
News Digest
Edition 66: The Goa Story
This Edition
Keep environmental justice at the core
Compendium
News Digest
Edition 62: Breaking barriers
We, the people, must fight to save our cities and ourselves
Governments and authorities are the custodians of our ecology but, in the past few years, people have resisted and protested…
‘Goa has successful ecological movements but we should not have to keep doing this’
From a languid destination for vacations, Goa has turned into a hotspot for tourism projects, real estate development, and large investments. Village lands, khazan lands, lush forests, and a natural water network have come under intense pressure from massive development…
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We want safe cities, we want feminist cities
The heinous rape-murder of a doctor in Kolkata sparked off heated discussions on women’s safety in cities. Safety of women anywhere is non-negotiable, it is the bare minimum, and it is not entirely women’s responsibility. Women also need to be…
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Pune’s growth story reminds us that nature does not send an invoice
As Pune amalgamates larger non-urban areas into the city limits, expanding in all directions, the frenzy of development has also meant fast-depleting natural areas. The frequent floods and harsh summers are alarms that can no longer be ignored. As the…
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Urgent heat conversations and actions we need in India to cool down cities
As millions of Indians struggle through an relentlessly scorching summer with never-before high temperatures, Heat Action Plans have become critical to people’s lives and livelihoods. Although states and cities have prepared plans – and some have fitfully implemented them –…
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Centring climate justice in rapidly urbanising cities of South Asia
The region is among the most vulnerable to climate change. With nearly 2.5 billion people and a limited capacity to adapt to climate change, South Asia shows how inequity and injustice lie at the heart of climate action. Billions in…
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‘By leaves we live, the world is mainly a vast leaf colony’
They are everywhere, although hidden sometimes, but provide a layer of comfort amidst the grey concrete. Lush green landscapes not only soothe the eyes but allow people-nature bonds to form in cities. As a business place for hawkers, resting place…
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Streets are sutradhars of people’s lives, first units of neighbourhoods
Streets, as living and meeting spaces for people, are more than roads. Street-based neighbourhoods reflect social cohesion and inclusiveness in cities but streets are being transformed into roads where people’s presence matters the least. Shop-fronted roads, built for consumptive economy…
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‘We are scared that the polluted Mithi might flood again’
As Mumbai’s most prominent river and natural drainage channel, the Mithi has mostly been struggling to flow despite the restoration work after the destructive 2005 floods. The pollution, concretisation and encroachment that led to Mithi’s pathetic state have also impacted…
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Dharavi makeover: Public loss, private gain in this mother of all redevelopment projects
Among the largest informal settlements in the world, Dharavi in Mumbai, is finally set to undergo redevelopment. Aptly called an informal city within a city, the vibrant settlement, though lacking in basic amenities, is home to nearly a million people…
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Jaga: Odisha’s land title to slum dwellers worthy of emulation
In a landmark move, pushed by slum dwellers’ movements, the Odisha government introduced a law which made the Jaga Mission possible. Instead of evicting slum dwellers from nearly 3,000 slums in its cities, including from prime areas in the capital…
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