Institutional response to emerging challenges of climate change in urban India: A case of planned city in foothills of Himalaya

Cities in Himalayan foothills are likely to face crucial challenges due to unpredictable implications

of climate change. The changes in hydrology, precipitation patterns, fast melting of glaciers, flow

of seasonal rivers and rivulets has resulted in flooding many cities and towns in Northwest India.

Chandigarh, the first planned city of Northwest India having second highest population density after

Delhi had faced drainage related problems due to very heavy rains and overflowing and choking of

its drainage systems. It is evident that climate change is putting pressure on city governments for

devising knowledge based innovative tools to cope with the emerging challenges of climate change.

The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh has introduced certain innovative adaptation practices

to enhance the level and quality of urban infrastructure and services and involve citizens in local

governance and sanitation to cope with the challenges of climate change. This paper describes

the initiatives of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation towards the institutionalization of climate

adaptation practices in the city. Some of the initiatives include: augmentation of drainage system,

solid waste management, setting up a waste to energy plant, saving energy in street lighting and

water distribution, environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure, revitalization of green

belts, parks, roundabouts and other greenery enhancements and housing and basic services for the

slum dwellers.