NIUA Newsletter

Leadership in action: A snapshot with Dr. Debolina Kundu, NIUA Director and Sh. CR Garg, Director, Directorate of Training (UTCS) alongside dedicated participants, forging a collective path towards progress

NIUA conducted a Three-week Training Program for UTCS - DANICS Probationers: An Urban Learning Experience

In a concerted effort to empower future urban leaders, a training programme of Delhi, Andaman Nicobar Island Lakshdweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Services (DANICS) Probationers was conducted by NIUA in collaboration with the Directorate of Training, Union Territories Civil Services (UTCS) from 8-25 January 2024.

The program, attended by 12 probationers from diverse domains, aimed to achieve multifaceted objectives.

Objectives of the training:

Comprehensive Understanding: To equip participants with a holistic understanding of urban planning and development, covering key aspects such as sustainable development, urban policy challenges, and economic growth.
Cutting-Edge Knowledge: To introduce innovative research in the urban sector, ensuring they are well-versed in the latest trends, innovations, and best practices.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges: To analyse and address modern day challenges linked to urbanisation, including those arising from rural-to-urban migration, governance complexities, and financial considerations at the municipal level.
Infrastructure and Environment Focus: To provide insights into urban infrastructure and the built environment, emphasising the need for sustainable practices. Additionally, to focus on environmental considerations, climate resilience, and strategies for social development.

Spearheaded by sector specialists at NIUA, the training sessions were meticulously curated to blend theoretical knowledge with practical insights, designed to incorporate various elements such as presentations, interactive discussions, team exercises, and field visits.

Along with sector specialists as NIUA, domain experts related to certain sectors were also invited to provide their specialized knowledge that significantly enhanced the training program.

Covering a wide array of urban topics, the three-week training focused on; Urbanisation and Economic Growth, Inclusive Urbanisation, Data Governance, Digital Governance, Disability Inclusion and Universal Design, Municipal Finance, Integrated Used Water and Septage Management, Solid Waste Management, Strategic Planning/ Urban Planning, Urban Water and Environmental Management, Climate Change Implications and Responses for Urban India.

The training ensured that DANICS probationers were well-versed in urban policies, innovations, and best practices to prepare them for future leadership roles in the urban sector.

Anshul Abbasi from C-Cube as a panelist at the ASSOCHAM GEM 6th International Sustainability Conclave & Expo 2024

Climate Centre for Cities (C-Cube)

Anshul Abbasi, Lead for Policy and Planning from C-Cube, NIUA, participated as a panelist at the ASSOCHAM GEM 6th International Sustainability Conclave & Expo 2024 on 19-20 January 2024 at Hotel The Lalit, New Delhi. The event focused on the theme of Sustainability Solutions for new-age infrastructure.

Key points highlighted by Mr. Abbasi:

Delved into India's nationally determined contributions, economic objectives, and the costs associated with climate change.
Emphasised the need for financial resources for climate-resilient infrastructure.
Discussed government efforts to promote sustainable infrastructure.
Highlighted the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' role in enabling sustainable development.
Stressed the importance of balancing the 3Es - Economy, Environment, and Equity in infrastructure development.
Elaborated on policy, planning, capacity building, financing, technology, and citizen participation in sustainable development.
Provided examples from ongoing ministry missions like AMRUT, SCM, PMAY, and SBM.
Focused on key issues including data and capacity gaps, oversight in geographic and climate diversity during planning, and a lack of expertise for balancing grey and green infrastructure.
Discussed the way forward for sustainable infrastructure development.

Ayushi Govil and Nidhi Rai Jain from C-Cube presenting the Junagadh City Climate Action Plan project

Climate Centre for Cities (C-Cube)

Nidhi Rai Jain, Senior Associate and Ayushi Govil, Junior Research Associate from C-Cube at the Climate Centre for Cities, NIUA, participated as panelists at the event Cool Roofs Initiative on 5 January 2024 at Junagadh.

The workshop focused on:

Raising awareness and sensitisation through relevant case studies
Exploring possibilities for the city of Junagadh
Highlighting the expected outcomes of the project, with a special emphasis on municipal schools, government buildings, and rooftops in slum areas

The event featured addresses by the Hon’ble Mayor and the Commissioner of Junagadh City. The NIUA experts focused on the critical aspects of energy efficiency, environmental benefits, and mitigation of urban heat island effects in Junagadh. The team also presented the progress of the Junagadh City Climate Action Plan project.

Toolkit for Preparing City Action Plans for Reuse of Treated Used Water

Water & Environment (W&E)

NIUA, NMCG, and CEEW have collaborated to develop a one-of-a-kind ‘Toolkit for Preparing City Action Plans for Reuse of Treated Used Water’. This unique toolkit is designed to empower cities with practical insights to implement effective water reuse initiatives.

As a next step, members of the River Cities Alliance will be using this toolkit to prepare their used-water reuse plans.

Access the toolkit here: https://shorturl.at/drsu3

Sciences Po delegation with officials from MoHUA, Belagavi Smart City and NIUA

City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain

A delegation from the Sciences Po Urban School, Paris visited NIUA for a workshop on 17 January 2024. The delegation, led by Mr Tommaso Vitale (Dean of the Sciences Po Urban School), included students from the Governing the Large Metropolis Master’s program.

Sessions at the workshop were led by Shri Rahul Kapoor (Joint Secretary and Mission Director, NULM and PM SVANidhi, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs), Ms Syeda Afreen Banu S Bellary (Managing Director, Belagavi Smart City), Ms Paramita Datta Dey (Program Lead - SCIAP, NIUA) and Mr Naim Keruwala (Program Director - CITIIS, NIUA).

The discussions presented an overview of urban livelihoods, circular economy and Smart City projects in India, among other topics.

The workshop was part of a study visit to understand facets of urbanisation in Delhi and the larger urban ecosystem in India, along with challenges and innovative solutions being used to address them.

Organisers and participants at the International Conclave in Bhubaneswar

City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS)

CITIIS team at NIUA participated in the International Conclave on Urban Transformation, held on 18-20 January in Bhubaneswar. The conclave showcased transformative models in inclusive sanitation, water supply, slum development, urban wage employment, digital innovations, and community partnerships.

The CITIIS team supported the organisation of the conclave by managing several verticals such as:

Developing the agenda
Coordinating with national and international delegates and partners
Hosting site visits and cultural events
Overseeing end-to-end management

CITIIS Program Manager Mr Bibek Jot Singh Sandhu was felicitated on behalf of NIUA for the partnership with H&UDD Odisha. State Program Officer Mr Abhismit Nayak also supported the event as the anchor for the session on Partnerships.

Hosted by the Housing and Urban Development Department of Odisha, the conclave drew over 300 delegates from 20 states and 11 countries. The event, attended by government officials, academicians, and urban development practitioners, included technical sessions and field visits to learn about inclusive and sustainable urban development initiatives.

A session at the communication workshop in Bhubaneswar

City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain

A workshop on Effective Communication was conducted on 14 January 2024 for officials in Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Department to enhance their communication skills. The workshop was part of the capacity-building measures under the State Component of the CITIIS program.

The sessions covered important topics such as

Effective communication and information dissemination
Public speaking and confidence-building
Conflict resolution
Fostering cultural sensitivity and good etiquette

The training provided State officials an opportunity to hone their ability to communicate and engage with national and international professionals. This was beneficial in preparation for the International Conclave for Urban Transformation.

Inaugural session at the International Conclave on Urban Transformation

Dr. Mahreen visited 'Garima Gruha - A Resting Lounge for Core Sanitation Workers' as part of the International Conclave field visit

Session on 'Evaluating Odisha’s Drink from Tap Mission from a Community Lens’ in progress

Sanitation Capacity Building Platform (SCBP)

Dr. Mahreen Matto, Team lead and Mr. Shantanu Kumar Padhi, Senior Program Officer at SCBP attended the International Conclave on Urban Transformation from 18-20 January 2024 in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.

The Conclave focused on sharing experiences of Odisha's urban transformation journey with decentralised, inclusive, and community-led models. Distinguished thought leaders and practitioners from different parts of the world gathered, who were interested in working towards practical solutions for sustainable urban development.

Highlighted accomplishments:

24x7 drinkable water supply through the 'Drink from Tap' Mission
Expanded Faecal Sludge Management across 114 towns
Innovative Grey Water management, and improved Solid Waste Management

Ms Paramita Datta Dey delivering session on ‘Waste to energy in India’

Panel Disccusion at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot in India (SCAIP)

Ms. Paramita Datta Dey, Head (Resources and Waste) at NIUA, delivered a session on ‘WASTE TO ENERGY IN INDIA: Opportunities, Risks, and Success Factors’ at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

In the thematic track, ‘Empowering the Circular Economy: Transforming Waste into Energy through Policy Interventions and Innovative Solutions’, Ms. Datta Dey highlighted following key points:

Energy-from-waste can be a game-changer for India, offering the dual benefit of generating electricity from non-recyclable waste while reducing waste volume, minimising the need for additional land.
Success in Waste to Energy (WTE) projects hinges on crucial factors including the availability of high-quality segregated feedstock, meeting or exceeding guaranteed waste processing output, plant availability over a specified period, and strict adherence to air emissions standards.

The session evolved into an engaging panel discussion on challenges like quality waste feed, sustained markets for end products, by-products, and the need to develop public acceptability.

Tanya and Anant during the Learning Exchange visit to Bhubhaneshwar

FSTP at Jatni

Sanitation Capacity Building Platform (SCBP)

Tanya Ahmed and Anant Mitra, Program Officers, SCBP participated in the Learning Exchange Visit to Bhubhaneshwar, Odisha, organised by CREA in association with EY and Odisha Urban Academy.

The objective of the program was to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning exchange about successful approaches and strategies in mainstreaming gender into the sanitation value chain, especially in the context of city-wide inclusive sanitation. The visit was centered around the work pertaining to WASH and gender conducted in the state of Odisha as a case of best practice.

During the two-day visit from 30-31 January 2024, they were taken to an FSTP in Basuaghai, operated and maintained by a Transgender SHG- Swikruti, where they interacted with the members to comprehend the impact of their inclusion in the project on their lives and livelihood. They also visited a slum redevelopment project- 'Biju Adarsh Colony', to understand the notion of participatory approach by empowering and promoting women leadership.

IKM launched the K-SMART app

MoU signed between IKM and KMDS with the support of NUDM

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

K-SMART built on UPYOG platform was launched by the Information Kerala Mission (IKM) across all 93 ULBs of Kerala on 01 January 2024 under NUDM. Seamlessly connecting citizens to urban services, K-SMART is the one-stop solution currently offering 7 modules including Civil Registration, Property Tax, Online Building Permit, Public Grievance Redressal, File Management, HRMS and Finance and Accounting, and a mobile app.

The MoU was signed between Information Kerala Mission (IKM) and Karnataka Municipal Data Society (KMDS), Government of Karnataka, for G2G collaboration. The goal was to digitise urban citizen services for KMDS, Karnataka on UPYOG by utilising IKM's technical help.

Team NUDM discussing the NUDM Standards with domain experts

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

Discussion on NUDM knowledge Standards was held with the domain experts of Property Tax, Online Building Plan Approval, Fire NOC, and Trade License during the team visit to Punjab from 16-18 January 2024.

The knowledge dissemination sessions with the officials showcased a strong commitment to process reforms, emphasising features that enhance ease of living for the community.

Officials discussing the NUDM implementation in Tripura

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

NUDM team visited Tripura from 16 - 17 January 2024 to discuss the NUDM implementation and upgradation of all live urban services across Tripura.

NUDM team carried out the diagnostic study on status of existing services and engaged in deliberations recommending a way forward.

They met the key officials: Shri. Abhishek Singh, IAS, Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of Tripura, Dr. Shailesh Yadav, IAS, Commissioner, Agartala Municipal Corporation and Shri. Rajat Pant, IAS, Director, DMA.

Officials discussing UPYOG v.2.1. new features

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

The new UPYOG version was released during the online webinar organised by the NUDM-NIUA on 18 January 2024.

The deliberations were made on the new features and enhancements in the UPYOG version 2.1.

It includes:

1. UMEED Dashboard: Enhancements of KPI's

2. Property Tax module of UPYOG: Self assessment, De-enumeration etc.

3. Desludging Service (FSM) module: Capturing road width and distance from road and uploading pit photos and workflow enhancements

4. Water & Sewage module of UPYOG: Temporary and Permanent Disconnection feature

Day 1 of Ideation workshop on, “Mobilising Finance for Climate-Focused Projects at the City Level,” held on 28-29 Nov 2023

Day 2 of Ideation workshop on, “Mobilising Finance for Climate-Focused Projects at the City Level,” held on 28-29 Nov 2023

Urban Strategy Unit

The project aims to support Indian cities in delivering climate-focused urban projects through public-private partnerships and other instruments for attracting private capital.

Key Highlights:

It involves the creation of a Climate-focused PPP Project Maturation facility, that will provide technical and transaction advisory services to cities and states across the entire project development spectrum, covering conceptualisation, project design and DPR preparation, financial structuring, contract development, and successful bid out through appropriate PPP models.
The project will also focus on innovative project structuring to facilitate the flow of private capital to climate-responsive urban projects, thereby opening the market for critical infrastructure projects that are otherwise considered risky, non-bankable, and untenable from a PPP perspective.

Young Professionals Program

Urban Strategy Unit

The North-East Region of India has been acknowledged as a potential economic growth center for South Asia and Southeast Asia, however, the progress has been slow. To address this, NIUA and ADB have launched a prestigious 'Young Professionals Program' for the North-East Region of India (NER YPP) to enhance the institutional capacities of key government functionaries in terms of skilled and experienced human resources.

This initiative is set to unlock NER's full potential, overcome development obstacles, and capitalize on the opportunities and support it receives.

Request for Proposals on NIUA Tender webpage

UrbanShift

As part of the UrbanShift Country Project, the following RfPs have been uploaded on the NIUA Tender webpage:

Guidelines for Preparing Resilient Coastal Zone Development Plan (RCZDP) – republished with modified eligibility criteria
Website (Re)Design and Development, Operation, Maintenance and Updation Services for the UrbanShift Country Project

Participants at the National Workshop Series on Streets and Public Spaces focussing on Streets

Sarika Chakravarty, Varsha Singh and Manas Kulkarni participating in the Workshop

UrbanShift

Representatives from the UrbanShift Country Project at NIUA participated in the ‘National Workshop Series on Streets and Public Spaces focussing on Streets’ developed under MoHUA’s Smart City Project, in Pune on 12-13 January 2024.

During the visit, UrbanShift PMU also met the Additional Municipal Commissioner of Pune and Divisional Commissioner of PUMTA to discuss project activities related to target city Pune.

Presentation on Draft Interim Report for TOD Station Area Planning Guidelines underway at PMC

UrbanShift

Regarding the preparation of TOD Station Area Planning Guidelines, the Draft Interim Report has been submitted by the Consultant (Urban Mass Transit Company) and is under review by the PMU and the partner city officials. The findings of the report were presented by the Consultant to the Additional Municipal Commissioner of PMC, UrbanShift PMU, and other PMC officials. The report contains:

National and international case studies on TOD planning and implementation, through a comparative case study method to synthesise the key learnings (both positive and negative impacts) for different typologies of cities.
An understanding of social, economic, and spatial goals of TOD, and identify major issues confronted in the implementation of TOD in India, by undertaking focus group meetings and interviews with national, state and city stakeholders as well as other TOD technical experts.
A study of influence zones of metro stations in Pune and Agra with diverse urban settings.

Knowledge Product My DreamCity: A Youth Vision to Urban Future

Collage of winning posters created by the youth for competition

Online celebration of the National Youth Day

Urban Youth Unit

Urban Youth Unit celebrated the National Youth Day on 12 January 2024, highlighting youth's role in Urban Development.

Urban Youth Unit, NIUA, and YuWaah- UNICEF collaborated to strengthen the dedication to empower young individuals for urban governance through the exchange of the Statement of Intent.

Key Highlights:

Speakers' Insights:

Dr. Debolina Kundu, Director NIUAemphasised upon the significant connection between youth, cities, and NIUA in shaping the urban landscapes of our future.
Mr. Abhishek Gupta, COO YuWaah UNICEF, stressed the youth's pivotal role in the nation's growth.

My DreamCity Knowledge Product Launched

Urban Youth Unit launched ‘My DreamCity’, a compilation of the aspirations of youth contributing to the nation's development.
The publication was based on competition for youth aged 15-30, focusing on Safe Neighbourhoods, Walkable & Cyclable Cities, My Connection to the River and Waterbodies, and Smart Wellness Societies.

Showcasing Youth Talent:

Winners of ‘My Dream City’ competition and other youth shared visions and ideas, providing insights into contributing to the transformative journey of the urban ecosystem.

Explore ‘My DreamCity: A Youth Vision to Urban Future’ here- https://niua.in/youth-unit/sites/all/themes/bartik/pdf/Dream_City_Competition_Book_4.pdf

NIUA Newsletter

NIUA conducted a Three-week Training Program for UTCS - DANICS Probationers

ASSOCHAM GEM 6th International Sustainability Conclave & Expo 2024

Cool Roofs Initiative in Junagadh - Workshop & Knowledge Sharing

Launch of 'Toolkit for Preparing City Action Plans for Reuse of Treated Used Water'

CITIIS Organises Workshop for Sciences Po Urban School

CITIIS Participates in the International Conclave on Urban Transformation

Workshop on Effective Communications Held in Bhubaneswar

International Conclave on Urban Transformation, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

NIUA Expert Highlights 'Waste To Energy' benefits at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, 2024

Learning Exchange Visit on Gender-Inclusive WASH to Bhubhaneshwar, Odisha

Empowering Kerala: K-SMART Transforms Urban Living with 7 Dynamic Modules on UPYOG Platform

NUDM Knowledge Standards Consultation in Punjab

NUDM Team Deliberates Urban Services Upgrade in Tripura

UPYOG 2.1 Version Released

Design of Climate-focused Project Preparation and Bid Process Management Facility for Indian Cities

NIUA and ADB Launch 'Young Professionals Program' for North-East India

UrbanShift Request for Proposals

National Workshop Series on Streets and Public Spaces

Report on TOD Station Area Planning Guidelines

Urban Youth Unit celebrated the National Youth Day