Settlements and Transport

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

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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.

Approaching Life Sustainably: Through the process lens

Let’s not shy away from understanding the full story behind what we consume.

India’s 2024 Election Results Should Spur a Renewed Movement Towards Justice, Equity, and Sustainability

From the perspective of the VSGA, which represent a wide section of the country’s regions and peoples, these results are a sign that Indian democracy is alive, kicking and maturing.

Look beyond the looks: To strategize and promote native trees in urban India

Conservation of species is possible in the cities too only if we are careful enough in doing the science and then reaching out to the government bodies and corporate houses to inform that science.

What Time is the Nomad?

Talking with Pabubhai, a nomadic pastoralist from the Rabari community in Kachchh, revealed the importance of time and temporality for his life and livelihood.

अच्छी सेहत के लिए साइकिल जरूरी (In Hindi)

साइकिल एक बहु उपयोगी वाहन है। इसकी उपयोगिता कई रचनात्मक कामों में भी सामने आती रही है।

Indigenous traditions honour muggers amidst modern challenges

Maange Thapnee ritual plays a pivotal role in shaping villagers’ perceptions of muggers, fostering a culture of tolerance towards these creatures.

Churning The Earth

Ordinary people constructing alternatives like sustainable farming, community-led ecotourism and conservation, revival of crafts, activity-based learning, decentralised water harvesting, local governance and direct democracy.

TOWARDS SECURING HIMALAYA FROM DISASTERS: A DEMAND CHARTER PEOPLE FOR HIMALAYA CAMPAIGN, 2024

In solidarity for the wellbeing and sustenance of our Himalayan natural heritage - glaciers, rivers, alpine pastures, forests and lands and diverse inhabitants whose identity and survival depend on the Himalaya.

Alternative Developmental Paths in the Western Himalayas

At the core of all these is the motivation to ensure overall happiness of communities, which cannot be ensured solely through economic well-being.