The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recently launched the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) 2.0 and the ‘Streets for People Challenge’ as part of the Smart Cities Mission. This article provides a detailed overview of these initiatives, presenting their objectives, frameworks, and implementing agencies.
CSCAF 2.0: A Climate-Sensitive Approach to Urban Planning
The aim of CSCAF 2.0 is to provide a clear roadmap for cities to combat climate change while planning and implementing their actions, including investments. It is intended to inculcate a climate-sensitive approach to urban planning and development in India. It comprises 28 indicators across five categories – Energy and Green Buildings, Urban Planning, Green Cover & Biodiversity, Mobility and Air Quality, and Water Management and Waste Management. The Climate Centre for Cities under National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) supports the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in the implementation of CSCAF.
Streets for People Challenge: Creating Vibrant and Walking-Friendly Streets
The aim of the Streets for People Challenge is to inspire cities to create walking-friendly and vibrant streets. All cities with a population of over 5 lakh and capital cities are eligible to apply. The challenge includes creating pedestrian-friendly streets in high footfall areas, re-imagining under-flyover spaces, revitalizing dead neighbourhood spaces, and creating walking links through parks and institutional areas.
Supporting Partners for the Initiatives
The Fit India Mission, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the India program of the Institute for Transport Development and Policy (ITDP) support these initiatives. ITDP has been working worldwide since 1985 to design and implement high-quality transport systems and policy solutions that make cities more livable, equitable, and sustainable. The India Program collaborates with cities to design and implement sustainable transport projects, providing policy solutions that enhance social inclusion, reduce dependency on limited resources, improve road safety, and reduce carbon emissions.
Global Trends and the Background of These Initiatives
International cities such as Bogota, Berlin, and Milan have responded to previous pandemics by transforming streets for walking and cycling, ensuring safe mobility during such times. The Smart Cities Mission in India is also associated with the India 4 cycles challenge method. This strategy aims to inspire Indian cities to implement quick cycling-friendly interventions during the Covid-19 pandemic with their citizen’s support and experts’ assistance.
The Smart Cities Mission: Driving Economic Growth and Improved Quality of Life
The Smart Cities Mission is an innovative initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to drive economic growth and improve people’s quality of life. Launched in 2015, it aims to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and a decent quality of life for citizens and a clean, sustainable environment through the application of smart solutions. The strategy involves a pan-city initiative wherein at least one smart solution is applied city-wide. It aims to develop areas step-by-step by applying three models: Retrofitting, Redevelopment, and Greenfield.
