16-20 December: Focus on Siliguri’s River Restoration

From December 16 to 20, European experts Ruslan and Alejandro visited Siliguri to explore opportunities for supporting the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) in the natural restoration of the city’s rivers through nature-based solutions. The initiative aims to enhance ecological balance, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable urban development.

During their visit, the experts engaged with a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC), Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA), the Irrigation Department, the Pollution Control Board, and the Forest Department. These meetings facilitated knowledge sharing, data collection, and the identification of critical challenges and opportunities for implementing nature-based solutions for river restoration. The discussions also laid the groundwork for developing strategies to integrate natural solutions into the city's urban planning processes.

23-27 December: Focus on Udaipur’s Green Mobility Zone Plan

Between December 23 and 27, Ruslan was joined by Mikael in Udaipur to provide technical and strategic support for the implementation of the city’s Green Mobility Zone Plan. This plan envisions a sustainable transformation of Udaipur’s city center by phasing out conventional vehicles and introducing electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce pollution and promote eco-friendly transportation.

The experts conducted several stakeholder consultations and meetings with the Udaipur Municipal Corporation (UMC), private EV suppliers, and the market association. These interactions focused on refining the plan’s strategy, addressing potential challenges, and ensuring smooth coordination among stakeholders. The discussions emphasized the importance of inclusive planning to balance the interests of businesses, residents, and the environment while achieving Udaipur’s green mobility goals.

Strengthening Urban Sustainability Through Collaboration

The visits to Siliguri and Udaipur underscore the commitment of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) to support Indian cities in addressing urban challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. By leveraging international expertise and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, these efforts aim to make cities more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.