As summer intensifies, India’s smaller cities face an escalating water crisis, where turning on a tap often means uncertainty. Despite national initiatives like AMRUT 2.0 promising improved access, local challenges—aging infrastructure, stalled projects, and uneven supply—persist. While some cities innovate with smart meters, others remain stuck in outdated systems. Can these ambitious plans truly bridge the gap between infrastructure and water justice?

गर्मियाँ बढ़ने के साथ, भारत के छोटे शहरों में पानी की किल्लत और बढ़ रही है, जहाँ नल खोलना अक्सर अनिश्चितता लेकर आता है की पानी आया की नहीं । AMRUT 2.0 जैसे राष्ट्रीय कार्यक्रम बेहतर पानी पहुँचाने का वादा करते हैं, लेकिन यहाँ की पुरानी पाइपलाइन, अधूरे प्रोजेक्ट और अनियमित सप्लाई जैसी समस्याएँ बनी हुई हैं। कुछ शहर स्मार्ट मीटर से नवाचार कर रहे हैं, तो कई पुराने सिस्टम में फंसे हैं। क्या ये बड़े प्लान सच में बुनियादी ढांचे और पानी की न्याय के बीच की दूरी पाट पाएंगे?

India’s push for solar-powered cities is gaining ground, with Sanchi becoming the first to run fully on solar energy. Cities like Indore, Chandigarh, and Jammu are following suit, but progress is still slow. Out of a 40 GW target, only 9.6 GW has been installed so far. What’s stopping more cities and citizens from making the switch? Will cities be able to turn rooftops into into renewable powerhouses, or will solar goals remain out of reach?

India generates over 62 million tonnes of waste annually, but most of it ends up in landfills. Despite national targets, source segregation remains low, and cities struggle with treating waste effectively. Yet, places like Alappuzha, Panaji, and Ambikapur showing the way with local solutions and community efforts. With rising waste and shrinking space, it’s clear that city-led innovation is the way forward.