3rd and 4th April 2024: WRI India conducts MANTHAN Session 8.0 to discuss methods and frameworks for assessment for informal settlements in Jalandhar
MANTHAN Session 8.0, conducted on April 3rd and 4th, 2024, served as a forum for exploring structured approaches for analyzing existing informal settlements in Jalandhar. Led by experts Paramjeet Chawla, Neha Lal, and Raj Bhagat Palanichamy from WRI India, the session focused on analyzing the report titled “The Unseen Lives: Slum Assessment of Jalandhar City,” authored by Mohnish Batra who is one of our Eco City-region fellows in Jalandhar. Discussions focused on streamlining the report’s structure, content, approach, using research tools like indices, and questionnaires. The session provided a comprehensive platform for critical evaluation and refinement of the study, contributing significantly to the ongoing efforts to address urban challenges in Jalandhar. WRI India team members focused on using representative and diverse data sets, creating frameworks for evaluation and reducing researcher’s bias.
12th April 2024: WRI India conducts #ExpertTalks 13, a session focused on learning GIS basics
Expert Talks 13, held on April 12th, 2024, was an immersive learning experience on Geographic Information System (GIS) software, specifically QGIS. Led by Abhimanyu S, Program Associate at WRI India, the session aimed to equip Eco City-region Fellows with practical skills in handling raster and vector data. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, exploring functionalities such as file management, attribute creation, symbology customization, and data visualization using maps of Punjab geography. The session highlighted the importance of leveraging advanced tools for spatial analysis and how evidence driven decision-making can drive urban planning and development.
24th April 2024: WRI India conducts #ExpertTalks 14, a session focused on exploring using statistics in decision-making
Expert Talks 14, conducted on April 24th, 2024, provided a comprehensive overview of basic and advanced statistical concepts relevant to urban planning and development. Led by expert Paramjeet Chawla, Program Manager (Urban Economist) at WRI India, the session delved into topics such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, correlation, and causation. Through interactive discussions and illustrative examples, participants gained insights into the application of statistical methodologies in addressing complex urban challenges.
16th April 2024: WRI India meets IAS Satya Prakash Patel, Special Secretary to the Government of UP, Urban Development Department and UP CNDS State PMU Team on Stormwater Scheme
WRI India met with Shri. Satya Prakash Patel, Special Secretary to the Government of UP, Urban Development Department, and Construction & Design Services (C&DS), a Consultancy Service assisting the GoUP team in Lucknow, to discuss integration of water security within Stormwater Drainage Management Scheme in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The preliminary meeting helped in getting information on its status, criteria and phase of formulation. Following this discussion, significant insights were gained. In parallel, WRI India team is conducting an internal review of the scheme draft to provide data driven analysis for informing the scheme guidelines. WRI India team focused on developing a water security approach and using data for prioritizing high-risk areas within this scheme for a targeted approach.
29th April 2024: Krishna Kumar and Neha Lal publish blog on ‘Advancing Ecosystem-based Yamuna River Management’
The blog on “Advancing an Ecosystem-based Approach for Yamuna River Management” by Neha Lal and Krishna Kumar explores the intricate relationship between Delhi’s growth and the well-being of the Yamuna River. Delving into the river’s historical significance and its current environmental challenges, the blog underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to ensure the sustainability of river ecosystems in urban environments. From highlighting the grim reality of pollution to discussing the complex drainage morphology of Delhi, the authors emphasize the importance of integrated strategies and collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. They advocate for proactive measures, such as the establishment of a High-level Committee and the development of strategic frameworks, to rejuvenate and restore the health of the Yamuna River. By prioritizing comprehensive river management and fostering collective action, Delhi can safeguard its lifeline and preserve the Yamuna as a vital resource for future generations.
26th April: Project Kick-off Meeting and engagement updates with city-region partners Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission
The project kick-off meeting chaired by the Member Secretary (FAC) of the State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu, was held on April 26, 2024. The meeting outlined the scope and expectations of both projects and emphasized the integration of specific elements into our research studies.
Additionally, a virtual initiation meeting was conducted between WRI India and Member-Secretary Ms. Sudha S(I.F.S) of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission, facilitated by the Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board (TNSLURB). Discussions revolved around addressing urbanization challenges, administration, and the importance of implementing a robust land use information system for informed decision-making.Exciting progress lies ahead as we work closely with Tamil Nadu state authorities to tackle pertinent issues and achieve our project objectives.
18th & 19th April 2024: WRI India team participates in Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation’s Capacity Building Initiative for MEL Practitioners in Climate and Sustainability Sectors
Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, a facilitator for clean energy and climate solutions, collaborates with various stakeholders to scale energy system interventions. They recently initiated a series of in-person capacity building sessions for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) practitioners in the social impact space, focusing on topics such as Impact Strategizing, Theory of Change, and Results Framework. Our MEL associate, Tanya Chawla participated in this initiative on April 18th and 19th, engaging with practitioners from over 50 organizations. The sessions provided valuable insights into enhancing our existing MEL systems, enabling us to incorporate diverse perspectives and refine our approach to monitoring and evaluation.
April 2024: Onboarding Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Development Fellows under Eco City-region Initiative towards co-creation of Bodoland
Principal Secretatry,BTC… notified an order to attach xy fellows to WRI India team…
Mr. Debajit Rajbanshi and Ms. Mini Bala Bargayary, have joined us as BTR Development Fellows dedicated towards the Eco City-region initiative in Bodoland.
Mr. Rajbanshi holds a Master’s in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics (DSE) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Planning and Development from IGNOU. Ms. Bargayary has a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy and Material Engineering from NIT Trichy, a master’s degree in Appropriate Technology and Entrepreneurship Management from NIT Arunachal Pradesh, and a Postgraduate Diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing for Rural Development from NIRD&PR, Hyderabad. Both have been instrumental in coordinating and liaising with different departments, as well as following up with officials for collating data and stakeholder discussions. We’re excited to have them on board!