Shimla Bags 16th Place in ‘Climate Smart City’ Ratings
Shimla and Dharamsala, two smart cities of the state, have secured 16th and 90th positions, respectively, in the Climate Smart City Assessment Framework (CSCAF). As many as 125 cities had participated in the assessment. Launched recently by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the objective of this initiative is to provide a clear roadmap for cities towards combating climate change while planning and implementing their policies and inculcate a climate-sensitive approach to urban planning and development in the country. While Shimla earned 1,387 points out of the total 2,800 points, Dharamsala finished with 556 points. Four other cities — Mandi, Hamirpur, Palampur and Solan — had also participated in the initiative. All these finished with the rankings over 100, with Palampur taking the 125th place. The cities were judged on five parameters — energy and green building, urban planning, green cover and biodiversity, mobility and air quality, water management and waste management. Shimla earned the best scores in waste management, securing an impressive 510 points and a five-star rating. The facilities considered under this parameter included scientific landfill availability and operations, extent of wet waste processed, extent of dry waste recovered and recycled etc. What pulled down Shimla in the rankings was its poor performance in mobility and air quality and water management parameters. Shimla’s scores on these two parameters were below average — 198 and 150, respectively. While the components such as clean air action plan, level of air pollution, availability of public transport, percentage of non-motorised transport network comprised mobility and air quality index, the water management parameters had indicators such as energy-efficient waste water management system, energy-efficient water supply system, flood/water stagnation risk system, waste water recycle, etc. The cities were judged on five parameters Energy and green building; urban planning; green cover and biodiversity; mobility and air quality; water management and waste management.
Tags : News/Views Bags Shimla ‘Climate Smart City’ Ratings Dharamsala