WRI India conducted Expert Talks for the Jalandhar Eco-City Regions fellows, led by Mr. Roshan Shankar. The session provided valuable insights into collaborative problem-solving within governance, using the case study of Delhi’s political transformation. Specifically, the talk focused on the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its evolution from a revolutionary movement to a governing platform. It highlighted the power of collaboration in addressing urban challenges through inclusive, solutions-oriented policies. This transformation in Delhi underscored the importance of collaboration in solving complex urban issues. The session also emphasized WRI India’s role in supporting collaborative governance and policy-making, demonstrating how partnerships and innovative approaches can lead to meaningful, sustainable urban development.
In addition to the expert talk, a comprehensive discussion on urban blue and green services took place in Jalandhar, focusing on enhancing these services as part of the city’s broader sustainability goals. This session resulted in the creation of an action plan to improve urban blue and green services, with initiatives such as restoring the Kala Sanghan Drain, developing smart parks, improving Mithapur stadium, and enhancing local ponds. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaborating with local authorities, such as the Municipal Corporation of Jalandhar and Baba Seechewal, who play a critical role in addressing challenges related to infrastructure, property ownership, and development. Community engagement and the need for sustainable practices were also emphasized to ensure the long-term success of these projects.
A focused meeting on developing greenery along the Kala Sanghan Drain was another key part of the discussions. This meeting aimed to transform vacant sites along the drain stretch, from Bhagat Singh Colony to the Jalandhar distributary canal, into green spaces. A detailed plan and timeline were developed, with specific sites identified for tree plantations. The collaboration between ECR Fellows, the Municipal Corporation of Jalandhar, and the Irrigation Department was a crucial aspect of this meeting, emphasizing the potential for joint efforts in environmental regeneration. By integrating green initiatives into the urban fabric, this project aims to enhance ecological balance in Jalandhar while fostering community involvement in sustainable development.