Despite the ban on manual scavenging, there continues to be thousands of fatalities since 1993. With workers still engaged in sewer cleaning, the gap between policy and practice remains stark. While machines and technologies like Kerala’s Bandicoot robot offer hope, questions about implementation and accessibility persist. Can this technological shift finally bring dignity and safety to sanitation work, or is a deeper systemic change needed to eradicate this practice?

Kullu is set to develop a new city forest, joining a growing list of urban areas embracing greener initiatives under the Nagar Van Yojna. While projects like Pune’s Warje urban forest have transformed neglected spaces into thriving ecosystems, challenges like pollution, maintenance, and funding still loom large. Can urban forestry truly counterbalance the environmental challenges faced by cities today?

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?

Taxes may be the most straightforward way to fund development, but local governments often struggle with limited financial resources. While municipal bonds offer a lifeline, the path hasn’t always been smooth; some bonds have fallen short of expectations. However, with greener alternatives on the rise, local governments are exploring innovative ways to finance development. As cities rethink their financial strategies, could strengthening bond collection become the game-change

Who is making it easy for us to move? Behind India’s mobility shift are unlikely partnerships. Governments, CSOs, residents, and even e-bike startups are all co-creating better transport. From Cycle Days to Handlebar Surveys, citizen engagement is no longer symbolic. It’s strategic, sustained, and reshaping the rules of how cities listen, plan, and move forward.

What happens when residents help design their own commute? From Bengaluru’s hotly debated bazaar pedestrianisation to nationwide ‘streets for people’ pilots, citizen voices test‑drive sustainable transport plans. Which lessons from these talks, trials, and temporary takeovers could steer India’s future mobility toward smarter, fairer city travel tomorrow?

What if the way we move in cities could change everything, from pollution to safety? India's non-motorised transport is on the rise, with walking and cycling reshaping life, promising steps toward a greener, healthier future. What challenges lie ahead, and how could active mobility cut through the urban chaos?

What exactly is Fare Free Public Transport, and can it really solve India’s urban mobility challenges? While some have embraced free rides, especially to ease travel for women, the pandemic’s impact on transit finances raises tough questions. Can such policies thrive amid budget crises and changing travel habits? This complex idea holds promise but also presents surprising trade-offs ahead.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.