Settlements and Transport

Human settlements with sustainability, equity, and fulfillment. Sustainable, equitable means including non-motorised and public transport

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.

World Social Forum: Rethinking and Redefining Development Itself

Bioregionalism means regaining social and environmental well-being by redrawing the boundaries of governance, especially at the lowest village and township levels.

Lessons India Should Learn From Odisha’s Leprosy Colony on Using Public Spaces To Fight Stigma

Initiatives to create inclusive public spaces, addressing the specific needs of young children and caregivers in leprosy-affected communities.

Traditional House Restoration in Ladakh

This short video highlights the importance of using local and sustainable methods and materials for construction.

A manifesto for justice

People’s movements and civil society organizations have to continue promoting changes through advocacy for policy shifts and ground action by and with communities.

Interlinking of rivers could flood India’s freshwater with invasive fish

Scientists are urging for careful assessments and policy changes amidst global concern about invasive species and their effects on freshwater ecosystems.

A Standoff- Shepherding and the Van Panchayats of Uttarakhand

The story of Khushal and Beena Nitwal, who are right-holders of the Shankhadhura Van Panchayat in Munsiari highlights two seemingly opposing perspectives.

VIKALP SANGAM GENERAL ASSEMBLY RELEASED A PEOPLE’S MANIFESTO 2024

The Manifesto, aimed at political parties, government agencies, and civil society organisations and movements at various levels, lists key strategies and actions that need to be taken for just living conditions.

Yusuf Meherally Centre: Fostering the Rural in an Urbanizing India

“We learned this from our mistakes. If you just work for one section, say Adivasis,  then there is a risk of antagonizing the non-Adivasi population living in the same area”, says G.G Parikh.

जीवन शिक्षा के साथ पर्यावरण रक्षा (In Hindi)

आत्मनिर्भर, टिकाऊ और स्वावलंबी समुदाय बनाने की पहल की जा रही है