Survival kit for Chennai city

Understanding 100 Resilient Cities framework: This document will have four dimensions comprising 12 drivers and seven qualities. These include Health & Wellbeing (supports livelihoods and employment, ensures public health services), Economy & Society (ensures social stability, security and justice, and fosters economic prosperity), Infrastructure & Environment (enhances and provides protective natural & man-made assets, and provides reliable communication and mobility) and Leadership & Strategy (promotes leadership and effective management, integrated planning, etc).

When DT Next contacted Krishna Mohan Ramachandran on the methodology and strategies planned in order to meet the 100RC goals, the CRO said that their aim is to ensure that the city is well-equipped to face acute shocks, like floods, storms, tsunami and earthquake.

“Chennai was chosen to be in 100RC since we had bounced back through several disasters. What 100RC means for Chennai and its people is that we help the city prepare to face these shocks better. In addition, we also address chronic stress, which is everyday problems that cities face – such as solid waste management, water management and traffic woes. It is also about tackling unplanned urban growth or taking care of people in the poorer economic sections of the society, by building affordable housing, perhaps? We will also look at our strengths – like education, healthcare and cultural heritage – and see how we could leverage these aspects to build a resilient Chennai,” said the Managing Partner of EcoEarth, Ramachandran revealed his game plan.

“Over the next six to nine months, we will study challenges and strengths. We are working with strategy partners Dalberg Global Development Advisors, who work with developing countries to lift the living standards of poorer economic section. 

They will gather all the data (on an issue) from government departments and NGOs to identify the real problem behind the problem and devise solutions. 

We then approach the relevant government department. With 100RC, we have access to tap into resources such as people and expertise. With the 100RC stamp, the funding process will get easier for projects, as funding agencies are assured that groundwork has been done,” he added.

The challenge, said the CRO, will be in getting people to work together.

“It is not only within the government departments and NGOs but we also need citizen participation. Otherwise, this is a non-starter. We want the people of Chennai to work together with us to create a cleaner, greener and a ‘resilient’ city,” he added.

Infrastructure & Environment         Enhances and provides protective natural & man-made assets