Settlements and Transport
Human settlements with sustainability, equity, and fulfillment. Sustainable, equitable means including non-motorised and public transport
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Human settlements with sustainability, equity, and fulfillment. Sustainable, equitable means including non-motorised and public transport
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Read Less
This features both rural and urban areas, and the search to make human settlements sustainable, equitable, and fulfilling places to live and work in. This includes: sustainable architecture, localized generation of basic infrastructural, water and energy needs, urban biodiversity conservation, waste/garbage minimisation and recycling, efficiency and frugality in the use of these basics, the defense and revival of common and open spaces, participatory budgeting and planning of settlements.
We would also like to include stories of sustainable, equitable means of transport that can be accessed by all and that do not create ecological and social problems as is the case with a focus on privatized motorized transport. Stories on the promotion of public transport, cycling, walking, human/animal powered and other forms of ecologically sustainable and equitable transportation, planning for equitable access, reclaiming the roads and parking lots for public use, and so on, are featured.
Expensive, elitist models that may be ecologically sustainable but are not relevant for most people, are likely to be avoided here.
The Gatpo of Spiti: Current Relevance of a Traditional Governance System
This study is on the present status and relevance of the traditional governance system of Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh, with a focus on the gatpo (or lambardar/nambardar).
ആനയുടെയും അന്ധരുടെയും കഥയ്ക്കപ്പുറം: കൂട്ടായ അർത്ഥരൂപീകരണത്തിലേക്ക് (In Malayalam)
ആനയുടെയും അന്ധരുടെയും കഥയുമായി വികൽപ് സംഗം പ്രക്രിയ എങ്ങനെ ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടിരിക്കുന്നുവെന്ന് വായിക്കാം.
Revitalizing Pune’s Historic Core City: A Pedestrian-Friendly Transformation
The focus should be on de-motorising the core city and transforming it into a pedestrian-friendly zone by discouraging heavy motorised traffic and promoting sustainable modes of transportation.
Legends of Sher Dariya (The Lion River)
The existential challenge for all of us now is: How can we listen to the rivers again? How can we become the voice for Indus and other rivers that are being polluted, dammed, divided and diverted?
‘Vetal Tekdi belongs to common citizens, it is they who have protected it for the past 40 years’: Pune-based environment activist Dr Sushma Date
Sceptical of government-commissioned reports, Dr Sushma Date prefers to consult independent ecologists, hydrogeologists, urban planners and traffic experts for cross-checking the data.
From policy to pushback, India’s ‘greenlash’ over ethanol-blended petrol
Experts warn that without trust, climate transitions falter; India’s ethanol rollout underscores the need for gradual shifts, local studies, and clear communication with consumers.
Ladakh violence: How government inaction on its promises on autonomy has fuelled frustration
The government needs to make clear what its intentions are – to grant Ladakh’s legitimate demands, or keep dragging its feet, risking further antagonising an already infuriated population?
Beyond the Elephant and the Blind Men: A Story of Collective Sense-Making
Vikalp Sangam answers the parable: we listen to each sector's truth to see the whole elephant of an equitable, just & sustainable future.
Rivers in Deep Time
To care for a river, we have to understand its memory. And to understand its memory, we have to zoom out far enough, until we realise we are just a moment on the map.