In March 2025, Nāgrika organised the Power of  Nāgrika Conclave and created an intimate space where everyday struggles, local solutions, and the spirit of small-city citizens took centre stage. The Conclave brought together changemakers from across India’s smaller cities for two days of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration. 

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?