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This study investigates the climate governance mechanisms of Pimpri-Chinchwad, a Tier II industrial city in India, to assess its transition toward sustainable urban development. The research is grounded in a multi-theoretical framework incorporating urban climate governance, co-benefits of integrated planning, and participatory systems. Drawing on policy analysis, expert interviews, field observations, and a citizen survey, the study identifies key enablers such as visionary leadership, inter-agency coordination, climate budgeting, and data-driven decision-making that have positioned the city as a climate leader. While Pimpri-Chinchwad demonstrates sectoral successes in waste management, air quality, and green mobility, it also grapples with implementation challenges in water systems and renewable energy. The study emphasizes the strategic role of Tier II cities in India's climate transition and the importance of aligning citizen engagement with formal planning processes.
As PCMC shifts from reactive measures to systemic, cross-sectoral strategies post-2023, its experience highlights both the opportunities and complexities of mainstreaming climate resilience in fast-growing mid-sized cities. Sustaining this momentum will require not only technical and financial resources, but also a more inclusive, communicative, and participatory model of governance that bridges the gap between policy and people.
One of the key findings of this study is the identification of six interrelated enabling factors that have empowered Pimpri-Chinchwad to lead on climate governance despite its Tier II city status. First, PCMC exhibits strong alignment with national climate frameworks, effectively leveraging missions like Smart Cities and Swachh Bharat to support local climate goals. Second, the city demonstrates access to sustainable financing mechanisms through innovations such as green bonds, a participatory climate budget, and revenue-generating waste initiatives. Third, PCMC benefits from being embedded in capacity-building and knowledge networks, with technical support from national and international actors shaping initiatives like Harit Setu. Fourth, there is robust collaboration with non-state actors and citizens, illustrated by inclusive programs like Navi Disha and contributions from organizations like ITDP and Prasanna Desai Architects. Fifth, the presence of a local climate champion, particularly under the leadership of Commissioner Shekhar Singh, has brought continuity and strategic direction to climate efforts. Lastly, the coordination across departments and institutional stability, especially through the Sustainability Cell, has been crucial in implementing complex, long-term projects such as BRT and biomining. These enablers collectively reflect a governance ecosystem that is adaptive, participatory, and forward-looking making PCMC a model for other Tier II cities navigating similar climate challenges.
Keywords: Pimpri-Chinchwad, Urban Climate Governance, Tier II Cities, Climate Action, Citizen Engagement, Climate Budgeting, Sustainable Development, CSCAF, Multi-Level Governance, Enabling factors.
