Civic

Cities lack long-term planning to fight heatwaves Some cities that are most sensitive to future heatwaves are focusing mainly on short-term respite, according to Sustainable Futures Collaborative, a research organisation in New Delhi. Its report shows how nine major cities that account for over 11% of the national urban population—Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut, Mumbai, and Surat—are gearing up to face the heatwaves. The report states that while all nine cities are taking immediate steps to address heatwaves, “long-term actions remain rare, and where they do exist, they are poorly targeted.” Without effective long-term strategies, India might confront several…

Whether it is a quick bite of dosa, steaming idlis or spicy chaats, street food plays an integral part in Bengaluru’s urban life and culture with vendors offering diverse meals from their pushcarts and temporary stalls. Street food vending also supports livelihoods and vendors play an important role in providing affordable meals to the city’s working population. However, these stalls may pose challenges related to urban infrastructure, hygiene, waste disposal and environmental management. Regulations that govern urban street vending Recognising the significance of street vendors, the National Policy for Urban Street Vendors advocates for a supportive framework while maintaining urban hygiene and…

13 Indian cities among world's most polluted Thirteen Indian cities are among the world’s 20 most polluted, revealed the ‘2024 World Air Quality’ report released on March 11th by IQAir, a Swiss organisation. Ten cities, especially in the Indo-Gangetic region, are among the top 15 polluted cities of the South and Central Asian region. The list also features four cities in Pakistan and one in China. Delhi is the most polluted capital city in the world. Its issues are mainly the winter's unfavourable weather, vehicular emissions, paddy-straw burning, firecrackers and other local pollutants. A slight decrease in dangerous PM2.5 concentrations…

Brand Bengaluru gets a boost in the budget In his 16th Budget presented in the Karnataka Assembly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the allocation of ₹1,800 crore for 21 projects under Brand Bengaluru, ₹3,000 crore to tackle weather-related challenges, and ₹555 crore for Phase 5 of the Cauvery water supply project. Bengaluru's urban mobility was highlighted, with the following plans — Namma Metro network's extension up to Kempegowda International Airport, an 18.5 km-long North-South tunnel from Hebbal Esteem Mall to Silk Board Junction for ₹15,000 crore, 40.5 km double-decker flyovers, 300 km of new roads and the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project with…

The rapid growth of apartment complexes in Bengaluru reflects the soaring urban housing demand. Stringent housing regulatory frameworks are essential for the balanced growth of the real estate sector. Currently, the apartment regulatory landscape in Karnataka is the cause of jurisdictional confusion and legal disputes. So, it is important to highlight the legal and practical challenges faced by apartment owners and associations. This assumes importance in the light of speculations of a proposed new legislative framework to govern apartments in the State.  Housing laws in Karnataka The Karnataka Cooperative Societies Act, 1959 (hereinafter referred to as KCSA, 1959): The Act…

BMC mandates air pollution monitoring at construction sites The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked for expressions of interest for sensors to monitor particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) at construction sites, with the data to be made available to the public. These sensors will help track air quality in real time and will be mandatory at all construction sites. This move aims to improve pollution monitoring and ensure compliance at both private and public projects in Mumbai. Builders support the plan but are concerned about increased costs and challenges in identifying pollution sources near multiple sites. The BMC will test…

“Even God himself cannot do anything within the next one, two, or three years," to solve the traffic problem in Bengaluru, said Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar recently. God can't save Bengaluru because he did not create the problems Bengaluru is facing. These are human-made problems, so humans alone have to solve them. The Deputy CM assured that traffic conditions would improve once projects like tunnel roads and elevated corridors took shape. His plans include tunnel roads costing ₹40,000 crore for just 50 km; Sanchara Yukta at a cost of ₹3,000 crore; elevated corridors at ₹15,000 crore; a double-decker metro and road…

The impact of climate change on urban habitats is a sombre reality that we cannot wish away any longer. While cities have been the largest contributors to climate change, they will also have to lead the fight against the same, driving both mitigation and adaptation. And along with environmental policy, regulation and implementation, community-led initiatives and citizen movements will be key to making a difference in terms of urban sustainability. On February 8th, the India Civic Summit 2025 — convened around the theme "Citizen Action for Climate-Resilient Cities" — brought together over 150 civic leaders, urban practitioners, grassroots changemakers, and…

Contaminated Sangam, stampede deaths mar Kumbh The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has rejected a government report that found high levels of faecal coliform, untreated sewage and bacteria in Sangam waters at Prayagraj. He said that the water — in which 565 million bathed since January 13 — is not just fit for bathing, but also safe for aachman (drinking a handful after bathing). However, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, filed on February 3, 2025 before the National Green Tribunal's Principal Bench said that because of the high faecal coliform levels in the Ganga River, the…

Across the dense urban habitats in the country, the lack of fire safety remains one of the key threats to life and property. Not a week goes by when you do not spot a news item related to a fire incident or tragedy in some city or the other. They may or may not make front page headlines, but their occurrence is remarkably and painfully regular.  For the past 15 years, Beyond Carlton in Bengaluru has been at the forefront of a critical mission — improving fire safety across India. Born out of a tragic accident, the organisation’s purpose is…