Consultation on “A Just Transition for a Sustainable Urban Habitat” organised

The departmental consultation on ‘Just Transition for Sustainable Urban Habitat’ was organised by the Task Force on Sustainable Just Transition, Government of Jharkhand and Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) in collaboration with Urban Development & Housing Department, Jharkhand. The event was attended by senior officials from Urban Development & Housing Department, Ranchi Municipal Corporation, Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board, Finance Department and other key agencies.

The consultation highlighted the urgent need for sustainable urban habitats amidst rapid urbanisation, focusing on managing the impacts of growth through strategic interventions. Key actions highlighted include promoting energy transition by deploying renewable energy sources, encouraging energy efficiency and implementing green infrastructure to reduce urban carbon footprints. These efforts aim not only to support climate-resilient cities but also to promote inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.

Speaking on the occasion, AK Rastogi, IFS (retired), Chairman, Task Force on Sustainable Just Transition, Government of Jharkhand, noted that sustainable habitats and green cities are key to ensuring a better future in the face of rapid urbanization. Key actions include accelerating energy transformation by adopting renewable energy sources, enforcing energy efficiency and implementing green infrastructure — all with the aim of reducing the urban carbon footprint.

Arava Rajkamal, Secretary, Urban Development & Housing Department, Government of Jharkhand, emphasised the commitment to sustainable urban development that is both future-proof and environmentally sustainable. The strategy focuses on building climate-resilient infrastructure through the adoption of renewable energy sources, cleaner technologies and sustainable mobility solutions, and expanding green spaces to create more sustainable habitats.

State Urban Development Agency Director Amit Kumar outlined the multi-faceted approach needed to create sustainable urban habitats, noting that the approach must address challenges such as carbon-intensive construction, energy consumption, air pollution, waste management and transportation.

Ramapati Kumar, Director General of CEED, emphasised the importance of a holistic approach characterised by inter-ministerial synergy, adoption of global best practices and creation of both immediate and long-term policy frameworks.

The main conclusions from the meeting included: building climate-resilient infrastructure by integrating best practices and success stories, undertaking pilot projects such as waste-to-energy and roof solarisation to accelerate the energy transition, adopting climate action plans and air quality management strategies for sustainable habitats, using clean technologies, sustainable mobility solutions and efficient waste management practices, and expanding public green spaces to promote green cities, contributing to the overall sustainability of urban areas.