Can tiny urban forests really make cities greener? Miyawaki forests are popping up across India, from metros like Mumbai and Chennai to smaller cities like Tirunelveli and Rohtak. Coimbatore plans to add 100 such forests by August 15. But with questions around soil compatibility and space constraints, are these quick-growing forests truly the solution to urban greening, or just a passing trend?

Towering landfills like Ghazipur are more than just urban eyesores; they’re a looming health threat! As cities struggle with legacy waste, some are turning to bio-mining to reclaim land and reduce pollution. Chandigarh’s Dadumajra dumpsite is one such effort, aiming to transform waste into reusable resources. With SBM 2.0 pushing smaller cities to act, could bio-mining be the solution to India’s waste mountain crisis?

Mumbai’s draft city plan just took a historic turn with a chapter on gender and social equity, thanks to years of advocacy. But women still face barriers in urban governance, especially in smaller cities. While Coimbatore and Tumakuru have made strides, many others lag behind. Can inclusive leadership truly transform India’s urban landscape, or is there more to the story of gender parity in city planning, especially in the smaller ones?

As India’s cities struggle with rising pollution, water scarcity, and rapid urban growth, the governance of urban forests is emerging as a critical issue. Larger cities are taking steps to manage their green spaces, but smaller cities, often with limited resources, face significant hurdles. Can decentralised urban forestry be the solution, or will fragmented efforts continue to undermine effective management of green spaces in urban areas?

Imagine India as just 100 people: how many would own a phone, have electricity, or live in a city? This thought experiment uncovers surprising truths about inequality and everyday life. Inspired by global data visualisations, it’s a snapshot of India’s diverse realities, reminding us that numbers tell stories too. As the next Census approaches, what shifts will the new decade reveal?

Balancing tradition with urban governance in India’s tribal regions is no small feat. As cities expand into Scheduled and Tribal Areas, conflicts arise between modern municipal systems and indigenous self-governance. With MESA still pending, the lack of legal clarity often leaves local bodies in a grey zone. Can legislation finally bridge the gap between preserving culture and managing urban growth in these unique regions?

Libraries are more than just collections of books; they’re vital community spaces. In India, however, urban libraries remain scarce, with one library serving 80,000 people on average. As cities grow, public libraries must evolve to foster lifelong learning and community engagement, by reimagining dynamic spaces for social interaction, creativity, and knowledge-sharing. Will investing in libraries help our cities become truly smart?

Cities are more than just buildings and streets; they’re shaped by stories and perceptions. Yet, many small Indian cities remain shadows online, barely represented on platforms like Wikipedia. Nagarpedia aims to change that by empowering citizens to enhance their cities' digital presence and strengthen local knowledge. As Wikipedia pages become richer, how do these cities finally find their voices heard and their stories told?

Indian cities are making waves in global rankings, but the results can be puzzling. While Hyderabad and Bengaluru top growth charts, they lag in innovation and quality of life. With numerous indices measuring everything from economic potential to mobility, Indian cities often find themselves on different ends of the spectrum. But do these rankings really reflect urban realities, or is there more to the story?

At Arthan’s Tomorrow’s Liveable Cities event, experts shared insights on making people central to urban planning, leveraging knowledge for better governance, and enabling organizations to serve citizens effectively. From community-driven initiatives to innovative tech solutions, diverse voices highlighted the power of collaboration. At the end of the day, these discussions aimed to answer one fundamental question: How can cities become truly livable?

Sherlock Holmes knew the value of data, and so did the British when planning cantonment towns. From colonial strategies to modern city planning, public health was the cornerstone, driven by meticulous documentation and contextual insights. Today, as cities rethink their futures post-COVID, can we learn from the structured yet practical approach of cantonments? At the end of the day, the question remains: How can cities effectively bridge data and decision-making?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to empower city governments has never been clearer. Our op-ed on CitizenMatters highlights how local governments, being closest to citizens, are crucial in responding to crises. From Mumbai’s building lockdowns to Hyderabad’s use of self-help groups, cities worldwide have demonstrated their capability to act decisively. But as we move forward, how can we ensure cities are more equitable and resilient for all their citizens?

Despite being integral to India’s urban landscape, smaller cities often get overlooked in both academic and online knowledge resources. While big cities dominate research and Wikipedia pages, small cities remain under-represented. To bridge this gap, Nagrika launched “Nagarpedia” — a community-driven initiative encouraging citizens to enrich Wikipedia’s city pages with credible, local insights. After all, who better to contribute than those who truly know their own city?

Swachh Survekshan isn’t just about rankings; it’s about mobilising citizens for cleaner cities. As assessors quiz residents on their city’s cleanliness efforts, awareness plays a crucial role in a city's score. From waste workers educating locals to apps connecting citizens to services, every small action matters. How can one help their city rise in the ranks? It’s all about collaboration and pride in keeping one's city clean.

In small towns like Ambikapur, Alappuzha, and Vengurla, waste management has taken a turn for the innovative. From exchanging plastic for meals to transforming landfills into parks, these cities are showing that size doesn't limit creativity. What if these local solutions could inspire change on a larger scale? How might our own cities rethink waste management to create a cleaner, more sustainable future?

Cooperative banks in India, initially formed to cater to underserved communities, are now facing pressures to commercialise and compete with larger, profit-driven banks. While their growth reflects trust and success, the shift towards commercial models threatens the social welfare principles that founded them. The question remains: Should cooperatives evolve into commercial entities, or should they stay rooted in community service, preserving their founding ideals? The future

Cities in India have long been shaped by constitutional changes, but how much power do they really have? Our pan-India study with Praja Foundation is digging deep into the reality of urban governance, exploring the gap between what’s on paper and what’s happening on the ground. From administrative control to actual decentralisation, the study unveils surprising insights. Are our cities truly empowered, or just caught in the maze of state control?

2018 was a year where cities in India took center stage: politically, economically, and socially. From rising citizen participation to international partnerships, urban life saw transformative change. With rankings, policies, and citizen-led initiatives making waves, cities found their voices louder than ever. As cities continue to evolve, how ready are they to meet the challenges of tomorrow in and inclusive and sustainable manner?

From the turn of the 19th century to today, public health in urban spaces has been shaped by both reform and crisis. The shift in responsibility from state to local bodies has given rise to innovative solutions in cities, big and small, across India. In embracing cleaner, more sustainable practices, how are cities redefining local governance’s role in urban health? And what does this shift mean for the cities we often overlook?

Public toilets in India are more than just a convenience; they are essential for public health, dignity, and urban mobility. Yet, poor maintenance and user perceptions continue to hinder their effectiveness. As cities expand and innovate, can better upkeep, creative partnerships, and smarter designs finally change how we think about public sanitation? The answer might just reshape the way we view these essential urban spaces.