Karnataka to collaborate with ClimateRISE Alliance to make State climate resilient
‘Our collaboration with ClimateRISE Alliance, and their wealth of knowledge, research, analysis, and on-ground experience, will lead to transformative initiatives,’ Rajeev Gowda
Karnataka is set to collaborate with the ClimateRISE Alliance, a consortium of civil society organisations and thinktanks, to build sustainable and climateresilient cities, ViceChairman of Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission M.V. Rajeev Gowda announced on Monday.
Water management According to him, the collaboration focuses on six pivotal themes. The agenda advocates integrated urban water management in Karnataka to address water scarcity, protecting water bodies and enhancing water quality across the state through a series of measures.
“Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission (KSPPC) is committed to making Karnataka’s cities climate resilient. Our collaboration with ClimateRISE Alliance, and their wealth of knowledge, research, analysis, and onground experience, will lead to transformative initiatives that safeguard our urban environments and enhance the wellbeing of our communities,” Gowda said.
River basin approach The series of measures includes addressing knowledge, cost, and skill gaps hindering rainwater harvesting and promoting the practice, as well as developing aquifer and subaquiferbased understanding and plans for groundwater management.
The other measures are adopting a river basin approach for water management, utilising historical maps, satellite imagery and archival data to create comprehensive maps showing newer and traditional water sources, encouraging citizen participation through initiatives like 'Lake Mitras', and developing comprehensive plans for wastewater collection and treatment with a reuse perspective.
It also emphasized gender equity and inclusion to ensure all initiatives prioritise the needs and perspectives of women, marginalised groups and people of different abilities.
Quality pedestrian infrastructure
In a statement, it said the agenda also includes promoting quality pedestrian infrastructure and safe public spaces accessible within short distances, adopting strategies for bringing jobs and businesses closer to mass transit, suitable provisions for mixedland use, and robust first—and lastmile connectivity through public transport for the creation of selfsufficient neighbourhoods (the "15minute cities" concept).
Implementing passive cooling solutions and cool roofs to combat urban heat, particularly in northern Karnataka, informed by the Karnataka State Heat Wave Action Plan 2022 as well as conserving and restoring blue and green assets like water features and green spaces for flood resilience.