CLIMATE RESILIENCE STRATEGIES IN SMART CITIES MISSION IN INDIA

Abstract: The rapid pace of urbanization in India has amplified the challenges posed by climate change, including increased vulnerability to heatwaves, flooding, and resource scarcity. To address these challenges, the Government of India launched the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in 2015 with the aim of fostering sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced urban environments. This research investigates how the SCM contributes to enhancing climate resilience in Indian cities by examining strategies related to infrastructure, governance, technology, and community engagement. Through a comparative analysis of four cities-Pune, Surat, Singapore, and Copenhagen-this paper identifies key climate resilience strategies adopted at the local level and evaluates their effectiveness within the smart city framework. Pune and Surat showcase India's growing emphasis on sustainable water management, green mobility, and public participation. International case studies from Singapore and Copenhagen provide insights into advanced models of urban resilience, such as integrated water reuse systems, smart grids, nature-based solutions, and citizen-led climate action. The findings highlight that while Indian cities are progressing toward climate-responsive urban development, implementation gaps persist due to fragmented governance, funding limitations, and inconsistent stakeholder engagement. The study underscores the importance of embedding climate resilience indicators within the Smart Cities Mission framework to ensure long-term adaptation and sustainability.

Keywords: Smart Cities Mission, Climate Resilience, Urban Sustainability, Green Infrastructure, Urban Planning, Technological Innovation