Prioritizing Nature: Integration of Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Environmental Governance for Enhanced Urban Liveability in India
摘要
Urban environments in India face unprecedented anthropogenic pressures, manifesting in environmental deterioration, climate vulnerability, and diminished quality of life. While the concept of “liveability” has emerged as a critical policy imperative, its environmental dimension—specifically the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbS)—remains insufficiently examined in scholarly discourse. Building upon the theoretical framework of urban liveability articulated by Panda and Thakur (2019), this chapter presents a systematic analysis of NbS contributions to environmental liveability in the Indian urban context. The research addresses a significant lacuna in current literature by transcending generalized discussions of NbS benefits to establish context-specific, quantifiable indicators applicable to Indian cities and their degree of liveability. Through a comprehensive synthesis of extant literature, this chapter establishes the significance of NbS in enhancing urban liveability, with particular emphasis on measurable indicators and atmospheric quality amelioration, microclimate regulation, and hydrological resource management—critical domains identified in the Energy Research Institute’s (TERI) urban environmental assessments. The chapter develops a methodological framework for identifying and evaluating pertinent environmental indicators of urban liveability within the Indian context, examining their potential optimization through strategic NbS implementation. The analysis extends to a critical examination of the current integration status of NbS within urban planning and policy frameworks, delineating implementation challenges and institutional constraints. Central to this discussion is an analysis of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as primary institutional actors in the promotion, implementation, and scaling of NbS initiatives. Through comparative analysis of exemplar cases and evidence-based practices, the chapter proposes a systematic framework for ULBs to leverage NbS effectively in pursuit of enhanced urban liveability. This framework encompasses methodological approaches for integrating NbS into urban governance mechanisms, policy formulation processes, and implementation protocols, supplemented by recommendations for enhanced monitoring systems utilizing appropriate indicators and data analytics. The chapter concludes by demonstrating that through strategic institutionalization and mainstreaming of NbS, ULBs can significantly enhance environmental quality metrics in urban spaces, thereby facilitating the development of more resilient, sustainable, and salubrious urban environments for their inhabitants.