The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has granted approval for the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0) program. Developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD), Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), the European Union (EU), and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), the program aims to foster sustainable urban development in India.
CITIIS 2.0 is a four-year program that will run from 2023 to 2027. It aims to fund projects that promote the circular economy and sustainable practices at various levels. The program focuses on integrated waste management at the city level, climate-focused reforms at the state level, and institutional improvement and knowledge dissemination at the national level.
To support the implementation of CITIIS 2.0, the program has secured financial assistance from international partners. The French Development Agency (AFD) and Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) will provide a loan of US$ 214 million (Rs. 1,760 crore), while the European Union (EU) will contribute a technical assistance grant of US$ 12.9 million (Rs. 106 crore).
CITIIS 2.0 builds upon the success of its predecessor, CITIIS 1.0, which had three key components. Component 1 involved city-level projects selected through a competitive process. Component 2 focused on capacity development activities in the state of Odisha. Component 3 aimed at promoting integrated urban management at the national level through the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
Similar to CITIIS 1.0, CITIIS 2.0 also comprises three major components.
Component 1 provides financial and technical support to develop climate-resilient projects in up to 18 smart cities, with a specific emphasis on promoting the circular economy and integrated waste management.
Component 2 extends support to all states and union territories (UTs) for setting up or strengthening their climate centers, data observatories, and climate-action planning.
Component 3 focuses on climate governance at the center, state, and city levels, aiming to enhance institutional capacities, foster partnerships, and facilitate research and development.
CITIIS 2.0 aligns with the government of India's climate actions and commitments. Through its ongoing national programs, such as the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, AMRUT 2.0, Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, and Smart Cities Mission, CITIIS 2.0 will contribute to India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and its commitments at the Conference of Parties (COP26). By focusing on climate-resilient projects, integrated waste management, and climate governance, CITIIS 2.0 will support India's efforts to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The program will play a crucial role in enhancing the circular economy within smart cities, promoting sustainable waste management practices, and reducing environmental pollution. Through the selection of competitively chosen projects, CITIIS 2.0 will facilitate the development of climate-resilient infrastructure, fostering urban environments that are better equipped to withstand the challenges posed by climate change.
Additionally, CITIIS 2.0 aims to strengthen state-level capacities by establishing climate centers, data observatories, and climate-action planning frameworks. By empowering states and union territories with the necessary tools and knowledge, the program seeks to enhance their abilities to formulate and implement effective climate strategies tailored to their specific needs.
Moreover, the program's third component focuses on climate governance at various levels. It aims to strengthen institutions, foster partnerships, and facilitate research and development to support the scale-up of sustainable practices across all states and cities. By integrating innovative and sustainable urban development practices, CITIIS 2.0 will contribute to building a self-reliant and globally competitive electronics manufacturing sector in India.
The approval of CITIIS 2.0 by the Union Cabinet underscores the government's commitment to promoting sustainable development and addressing climate change. Through international collaborations and financial support, the program will facilitate the implementation of innovative projects, fostering inclusive and environmentally conscious urban growth.
CITIIS 2.0 marks a significant step forward in India's efforts to achieve sustainable and resilient urban development. By leveraging partnerships and financial assistance, the program aims to create a transformative impact by promoting the circular economy, addressing climate change, and strengthening climate governance at all levels. With its focus on integrated waste management, climate-focused reforms, and institutional improvements, CITIIS 2.0 sets the stage for a greener and more sustainable future for cities in India.