Transformative Climate Action Using Participatory Data Driven Decision Making Platforms (T-CAP)

Mitigation of Climate Change
October-December | 2024

Project Updates

National Roundtable on Participatory Climate Action for Indian Cities

A National Roundtable on Participatory Climate Action for Indian Cities was held on October 4, 2024, to explore actionable strategies for enhancing participatory climate initiatives in urban India. The roundtable convened 25 experts, including city representatives, researchers, NGOs, and business consultants, for a day of intensive discussions.

Participants examined participatory initiatives that add value to various stakeholders in climate action and explored innovative technologies that have successfully engaged vulnerable communities, fostering their participation in building climate resilience.

This collaborative effort aims to empower cities to adopt inclusive approaches to climate action, ensuring that all voices are heard and integrated into decision-making processes. By promoting stakeholder participation and social justice, India can leverage frontier technologies to advance sustainable urbanization and achieve multi-fold benefits. The insights from this workshop will contribute to a national advisory that will support India’s commitments to the Paris Agreement and the SDGs.

Urban Living Lab (V-PULL) Activities in Visakhapatnam

As part of the T-CAP project, two major activities were organized under the Urban Living Lab (V-PULL) in Visakhapatnam:

1. Field Visit for Urban Flooding Use Case

A training workshop on data gathering for urban flooding was conducted in two phases at Ward 41, Gnanapuram, Visakhapatnam, on August 12-13, 2024, and August 30, 2024:

• Phase I – Training Workshop:

  • Volunteers and student interns were trained in map reading, observational data collection, and perception mapping.

• Phase II – Community Engagement:

  • A perception survey and mapping exercise were conducted with the local community to co-create solutions for urban flooding.

These activities engaged the local community and provided hands-on experience for student interns, preparing them to support T-CAP’s V-PULL activities in the future.

1. Operation Support Team Meeting at GITAM University

The project team held comprehensive consultations with the Operation Support Team (OST) of V-PULL on December 11–12, 2024, at GITAM University, Visakhapatnam. This meeting was a key milestone in setting up V-PULL, focusing on resource mobilization and action planning for flood-proofing neighborhoods in Vizag. The event aimed to enhance urban resilience and foster multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The OST meeting facilitated meaningful partnerships, laying the groundwork for effective flood-proofing solutions that will benefit Vizag’s residents.

Key Highlights and Outcomes:

• Task Force Formation: Defined timelines and responsibilities for project execution.
• Commitments for Support: Stakeholders pledged technical assistance, capacity building, and resource allocation for flood-proofing initiatives.
• Sustained Engagement: Emphasized effective implementation and long-term stakeholder participation.
• Community Involvement: Representatives from Gnanapuram actively participated, ensuring that proposed solutions were both practical and impactful.

Copyright images – The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)