Paper Title

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND URBAN RESILIENCE IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND POLICY PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Green infrastructure has become an increasingly important strategy for enhancing urban resilience in India as cities face growing risks from climate change, rapid urbanization, flooding, heat waves, air pollution, and ecological degradation. Indian cities are experiencing rising exposure to pluvial flooding, urban heat island effects, and the loss of natural drainage and green cover due to unplanned expansion and impervious development. Recent World Bank analysis of 24 Indian cities highlights that more than half of the urban infrastructure needed for 2050 is yet to be built, creating a critical window to embed resilient and nature-based approaches into urban growth, while also warning that flood losses could reach billions annually without timely adaptation. National and city-level initiatives such as river-sensitive planning guidance from the National Institute of Urban Affairs and heat adaptation efforts in cities like Ahmedabad illustrate the policy relevance of green and blue-green infrastructure in India. This study examines how green infrastructure—including urban forests, wetlands, parks, permeable surfaces, bioswales, and green roofs—can reduce climate risks, improve ecosystem services, and strengthen adaptive urban capacity. It also identifies key barriers such as land scarcity, weak integration into master planning, fragmented institutional responsibilities, limited municipal finance, and insufficient technical capacity. The study argues that mainstreaming green infrastructure into land-use regulation, stormwater management, urban finance, and participatory governance is essential for building inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable Indian cities.
KEYWORDS : Green Infrastructure, Urban Resilience, India, Climate Change Adaptation, Nature-Based Solutions, Urban Flooding, Heat Island Mitigation, Sustainable Urban Planning, Blue-Green Infrastructure, Policy Perspectives

Paper Title

TRIBAL ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT” & E-MARKETING OF MINOR FOREST PRODUCE (MFP) AND DEVELOPMENT OF VALUE CHAIN MODEL IN COSTAL ANDHRA PRADESH

Abstract

This study explores the potential for tribal entrepreneurial development and the implementation of e-marketing strategies for Minor Forest Produce (MFP) in coastal Andhra Pradesh, India. Given the rich biodiversity and vast forest resources in this region, tribal communities possess unique opportunities to sustainably harness and commercialize MFP. However, they often face challenges, such as limited market access, lack of entrepreneurial training, and absence of a structured value chain. This research aims to address these gaps by developing a comprehensive value chain model tailored to the socio-economic context of coastal Andhra tribes. By utilizing e-marketing tools, the study seeks to empower tribal entrepreneurs to reach broader markets, enhance price realizations, and establish a sustainable income stream. Through field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and market analyses, the study provides insights into effective value chain linkages, pricing mechanisms, and digital platforms suitable for MFP. The proposed model highlights the importance of integrating government support, private partnerships, and community-led initiatives. Ultimately, the study envisions a sustainable, inclusive approach to tribal development, aiming to uplift livelihoods and promote economic resilience within tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh.
KEYWORDS : Minor Forest Produce, Tribal Entrepreneurial Development, Value Chain Model