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.

Why this Maharashtra village is fighting for the long forgotten Gramdan Act?

Dec 2022, Mendha (Lekha), a village deep inside the forest area of Gadchiroli, moved the Nagpur bench of the Bombay HC for implementing Gramdan, a historic act born out of a movement by Vinoba Bhave

‘Chhu-med’- No Water and the ‘imaginary of hope’: Living in-between Climate Change and Adaptation, Development and Sustainability, Apathy and Hope.

How communities in Ladakh survive an intense water crisis despite institutional apathy and critical climate change, by coming together through a culture’s ‘Imaginary of Hope’.

Ripples of Maharashtra – a fight for justice along the Malvan Coast

The fishing community along the Malvan advocates for the sustainable practices of traditional fishing used in this region.

How India’s First ‘Green Village’ Turned Hunters Into Conservationists

The hunters-turned-conservationists of Khonoma are continuing to cultivate their community-led approach to protecting their heritage.

An Insight into Traditional Spitian Architecture

An individual seeks support from the community in terms of resources as well as labor so it is not unusual to have members of your family, relatives, friends, and other community members involved in building a house.

In search of Mayal Lyang

Harnessing the power of stories through community-led research to preserve Lepcha indigenous culture in India

Fight with Care [Ambedkar Jayanti]

FIGHT WITH CARE brings you the voices of fisherwomen who maintain this delicate ecosystem through everyday acts of care.

Balika Panchayat: The Story of Kunariya

The Balika Panchayat of Kunariya aims to empower women in the active functioning of the Gram Panchayat.

Nature’s Apprentice: A Gudalur Story

Adivasis of Gudalur create sustainable, dignified livelihoods and gain collective control over their commons, in the face of the modern economy.