GENRE: Voices | Citizen Matters

Opinion: This Diwali, let’s just be selfish!

November 13, 2020 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

The issue around firecrackers is not a religious, cultural or legal one. It is one that concerns every one of us individually, our health and that of our children.

Our city corporations need money. How can they raise it independently?

November 5, 2020 Shashank Atreya

COVID-19 has left both states and municipalities cash-strapped. Revamping property tax collection is one way to enable local bodies to rely less on state and central funding sources.

People-centric approach critical for solving India’s housing woes

October 30, 2020 Parul Agarwala, Swati Singh Sambyal and Pooja Varma

PMAY and Clean India Mission have built strong foundations for sustainable, inclusive housing but community engagement is crucial, say experts from UN-Habitat on the occasion of World Cities Day.

Where’s the roadmap to prevent the next Hyderabad-like flood?

October 28, 2020 Himanshu Thakkar

Urban flood disasters are clearly on the rise. The problem is known, the reasons evident, and the prescription is also more or less clear. But who will implement it?

Why the NHRC recognition for sex workers makes us especially happy

October 22, 2020 Santoshee Gulabkali Mishra

After a Citizen Matters article highlighted the plight of women in sex work during the pandemic, the National Network of Sex Workers pursued the matter more rigorously.

How RWAs in Gurugram are showing the way out of urban India’s waste crisis

October 14, 2020 Rahul Khera

Decentralized waste management systems could be an effective solution to the complex waste management challenge in our cities. An expert from Gurugram explains why and how.

Why your local park or sports stadium is ‘critical infrastructure’ for the city

October 6, 2020 Dhanya Rajagopal

Urban public spaces are generally not recognised for much beyond their real estate or recreational value. Yet globally, their potential in crisis or emergency situations is increasingly evident.

COVID-19 has put the spotlight on mental health, but India needs more

October 1, 2020 Ronald Yesudhas

COVID-19 has spawned a growing mental health crisis that can only be addressed by stepping up the availability and access to quality mental health services.

COVID-19 lessons: What city planners, governments and residents must think about

September 4, 2020 Trupti Deshpande

How can cities manage density? How can planning make cities more dynamic and capable of responding to emergencies? What changes can citizens look forward to in a post-COVID urban settlement?

COVID-19 aftermath: Delhi’s ignored waste pickers need immediate protection

September 3, 2020 Avi Majithia and Malavika Narayan

Informal waste pickers in Delhi protect the city’s environment and public health. Today, as they face a dire situation in the aftermath of the pandemic, here’s what the government must do for them.

Future of jobs: One Person Corporation ahoy!

September 2, 2020 Ambi Parameswaran

That’s the way even skilled workers may be headed, but how prepared are they? What would it take for the job-seeker to successfully evolve into a one-person corporation? Practical tips from an expert

To mask or not to mask? Fines won’t be the deciding factor

August 28, 2020 Saksham Singh

Policing people to wear masks might not be the most effective way. Behaviour change communication can play a key role in this ongoing pandemic.

Opinion: Let’s not allow corona to defeat the fight to reduce plastic

August 23, 2020 Swati Singh Sambyal

As India and the world battle the pandemic, managing our plastic waste properly has become crucial, now more then ever.

What will it take to nudge people towards public transport post COVID?

August 10, 2020 Abhinav Soman and Himani Jain

As cities gradually unlock, a look at interventions that could effectively quell fears of COVID transmission and revive ridership on buses and other public transport

Future of jobs: Have you heard of redistributed retirement?

July 31, 2020 Ambi Parameswaran

COVID has created considerable uncertainty around employment opportunities. You may have to visualize different future paths for your career, and upskill yourself. And be prepared for bouts of retirement in between.