National Institute of Urban Affairs is organising a 'Dialogue on Clean and Sustainable Hill States' at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 19th June 2023!

This event is a crucial step towards addressing the challenges faced by the Himalayas, the world's youngest mountain ranges. Rapid urbanisation has negatively impacted their hydrological systems, leading to reduced water availability and increased vulnerability for mountain inhabitants. Deforestation, biodiversity loss, and heightened natural hazards further worsen the situation. The hill states in this region, which includes India's fastest-growing cities, face significant obstacles due to their complex geography and the effects of the climate crisis.

To tackle these issues, NIUA and BORDA- South Asia have structured a forum called Parvat-Manthan on "Clean and Sustainable Hill States''. This initiative aligns with the UN-SDG's 'Decade for Action' and PM Narendra Modi's vision for India's G20 presidency. It also relates to the Urban 20 (#U20) agenda, prioritising water security and climate finance.

The dialogue aims to foster collaboration and innovation for a greener future in the Himalayan region. The delegates from various ministries and Urban Development Departments from 12 Himalayan States & UTs will be participating, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and the North East Seven Sisters. The discussion will revolve around key challenges and solutions related to WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) to ensure sustainable development in these breath-taking states.This dialogue will provide a unique opportunity for experts, think tanks, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices.

The event will be live-streamed at - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1vRwTJyYc

We encourage you to join this dialogue in shaping a prosperous future that preserves the beauty and integrity of our hill states!

List of Speakers

Shri. G. Asok Kumar, IAS, Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
Smt. Roopa Mishra, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
Shri. Keshav Varma, Former IAS, Chairperson - High Level Committee, MoHUA
Shri. Deepak Sanan, Former IAS
Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
Shri. Sushil Ramola, Immediate Past President, Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI)
Shri. M.T. Sherpa (IAS), Secretary, Urban Development Department, Sikkim
Shri. Sanjeev Khirwar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, UT Ladakh
Shri. Ramesh Negi, Former IAS, Councillor, Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI)
Shri. Rohit Kakkar, Dy Adviser (PHE), CPHEEO
Smt. Sakshi Gudwani, Senior Program Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
Smt. Divya Sharma, Deputy Head of Cooperation, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Smt. Kezochole, Joint Director and Nodal Officer SBM U 2.0, Urban Development Department, Nagaland
Smt. Vanthangpuii, Deputy Director, Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation Department, Mizoram
Shri. Manu Bhatnagar, Principal Director, Natural Heritage, Division of INTACH
Shri. Tikender Panwar, Ex-Deputy Mayor, Shimla
Shri. Sameer Rai, Joint Chief Architect, Urban Development Department, Sikkim
Smt. Yeshika Malik, Climate Change Specialist, World Bank
Prof. Saswat Bandyopadhyay, Project Director, Centre of Urban Planning and Policy (CUPP), CEPT University
Prof. Gaurav Raheja, Professor & Head (Architecture & Planning), IIT Roorkee
Dr. Umamaheshwaran Rajasekar, Director, Technical Assistance and Capacity Development, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
Dr. Victor Shinde, Head, Climate Centre for Cities (C-Cube), NIUA

Location: Silver Oak, India Habitat Centre

Event Webpagehttps://scbp.niua.org/?q=content/forum-inclusive-and-resilient-sanitation-hill-cities

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