Three-year partnership to address urban heat and flooding through integrated solutions
200+ low-income houses to be retrofitted with passive cooling technologies
Supported by Tata Trusts, the initiative promotes inclusive, climate-resilient development
In a pivotal move toward combating climate risks, the Chandrapur City Municipal Corporation (CMC) and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India (AKAH India) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly implement transformative heat and flood mitigation projects in Chandrapur. This partnership, supported by Tata Trusts, is aimed at fostering community-led resilience and sustainable urban development.
Anchored in data-driven planning and community engagement, the collaboration will introduce a suite of interventions—from hazard risk assessments to retrofitting public infrastructure with climate-smart solutions. Over 200 homes in vulnerable neighborhoods will be upgraded with passive cooling strategies—significantly reducing indoor heat stress during extreme summers.
Advanced tools such as Land Surface Temperature (LST) analysis, Urban Heat Island (UHI) mapping, and Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessment (HVRA) will inform strategies for building resilience in vulnerable communities. Public buildings such as a school or municipal buildings will be green retrofitted with energy- and water-efficient appliances, along with promoting green spaces to demonstrate sustainable building design in action.
The project includes hydraulic and hydrogeological studies to guide the Chandrapur City Municipal Corporation to implement flood risk mitigation measures. AKAH will implement pilot projects like permeable paver blocks and recharge wells to manage stormwater and reduce surface runoff.
Community preparedness and capacity-building are at the heart of the program. Residents will be trained through the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) framework, creating first responders and fostering a culture of readiness for climate-induced disasters.
Shri Vipin Paliwal, Commissioner, Chandrapur City Municipal Corporation, stated:
“Chandrapur’s unique topography and socio-economic diversity demand climate solutions that are both locally rooted and scientifically informed. Through this partnership with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India and Tata Trusts, we are taking a significant step toward addressing the dual challenges of extreme heat and urban flooding—risks that are growing more urgent each year. By leveraging data-driven strategies, innovative technologies, and strong community engagement, this initiative strengthens our commitment to building a climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Chandrapur for generations to come.”
Ms. Prerana Langa, Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India, stated:
“This MoU is an important step toward building climate resilience through practical, community-based solutions. We will combine scientific assessments and hands-on approaches to address Chandrapur’s challenges related to heat and flooding. Our goal is to support Chandrapur with a model of adaptive urban transformation. We are grateful to the Chandrapur City Municipal Corporation and Tata Trusts for their vision and commitment, and look forward to building a safer, greener, and inclusive city together.”
The project will be overseen by a Joint Steering Committee and executed through project-specific definitive agreements, with strict adherence to quality standards and collaborative governance as outlined in the MoU.
About Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India:
Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) India was established in 2016 with the vision of creating habitats that allow communities to be resilient to disasters, adapt to climate change, and thrive. With a focus on climate resilience, various initiatives of AKAH work to reduce vulnerability to climate change and disasters through community-led efforts with a strong synergy between traditional knowledge, innovation, and technical integration. It is a Section 8 non-profit organization and a member of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Headquartered in Mumbai, AKAH works in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana. AKAH is dedicated to enhancing habitat conditions through building safety & community resilience to natural hazards and disasters. AKAH ensures that these settings are connected to water and energy services and are conducive to developing economic opportunities and access to social and financial services.
About Chandrapur City Municipal Corporation:
The Chandrapur Municipal Corporation was established on 25th October 2011, with the goal to make Chandrapur a clean, well-developed city that offers comprehensive facilities to its citizens. Chandrapur district consists of 15 talukas: Chandrapur, Ballarpur, Rajura, Bhadravati, Warora, Chimur, Nagbhid, Bramhapuri, Sindewahi, Mul, Sawali, Gondpipri, Korpana, Pombhurna, and Jiwati.
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