Tamil Nadu's ‘Friends of Library’ scheme is transforming public libraries by bringing books directly to neighborhoods. With just one library for every 80,000 urban residents, access to reading material remains limited. Could digital libraries be the solution to this challenge? And, is there room for more community spaces that promote learning and personal growth? The future of public libraries might look quite different.

Thane’s recent tree census revealed more than 60% increase in tree numbers and greater diversity in species. While some states have legislated tree censuses, in places like Delhi and Surat, citizens have taken matters into their own hands. This not only tracks tree cover but also help protect heritage and rare species, engaging communities in the process. Could this grassroots approach help cities rethink their relationship with nature?

India recorded its hottest March in history this year, with extreme heat events claiming more lives each year. In response, cities like Ahmedabad have pioneered Heat Action Plans (HAPs) that have significantly reduced fatalities. These plans, tailored to local needs, aim to prevent heat-related deaths, with strategies ranging from early warnings to cool roof initiatives. Is your city prepared for the heat, or is it still waiting for action?

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?

Nagpur and Shimla may both be Tier-I cities, but that label tells us little about their unique challenges. India’s cities vary vastly in size, climate, and function. So urban diversity can’t be captured by population alone, but that’s how cities are often categorised. Could a better system help craft smarter policies? Rethinking city classification might just be the key to unlocking more effective urban planning.