As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, cities around the world are looking for effective models to address sustainability challenges. Rapid urbanisation has introduced challenges such as waste management, pollution, and resource inefficiency, which demand innovative solutions. Addressing these issues is critical for the future of urban living, and cities are now looking for effective models to create cleaner, greener, and more inclusive spaces.

Through a combination of innovation, public-private partnerships, and community involvement, Indore is consistently ranked as India’s cleanest city under the Swachh Survekshan initiative[i]. Notably, Indore achieved a 7-star rating under Swachh Survekshan by implementing waste segregation, collection, and treatment, and in 2021, it became India’s first Water Plus city under the same initiative, ensuring clean water bodies free from sewage contamination[ii]. As a result, Indore stands as a successful model for cities across the nation, illustrating the impactful role that urban governance can play in fostering climate resilience and sustainable development.

Since 2008, the Earth Care Awards, a joint initiative of JSW and The Times of India Group, have recognized and championed efforts in climate mitigation and adaptation. In the 12th edition of the Earth Care Awards, we seek to spotlight the “Indore Model” of sustainable urban transformation and explore its potential as a blueprint for other cities. The roundtable discussion titled “ Building India’s Sustainable Cities: The Roadmap for Urban Transformation” aims to bring together government officials, sustainability experts, urban planners, and business leaders to discuss actionable strategies for scaling Indore’s success across India. The discussion will highlight actionable strategies for replicating the model in other Indian cities, focusing on how cities can adopt innovative, inclusive, and economically viable models to improve waste management, public health, and environmental resilience.