The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) organized a stakeholder consultation meeting to develop the Climate Resilient City Action Plan (CRCAP) and the Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (LBSAP) for Hyderabad. This meeting aimed to ensure that the city includes climate-sensitive measures in its planning, development, infrastructure, and service delivery due to its rapid growth.

The consultation focused on the development of CRCAP and LBSAP. The goal of CRCAP is to reduce climate vulnerability and risk for the city’s population, infrastructure, and economy. The plan will identify targets and strategies to help Hyderabad achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in support of India’s goal to be net-zero by 2070. ICLEI is providing technical assistance for these initiatives.

During the meeting, representatives from GHMC departments and other stakeholders discussed various aspects of the climate action plan and biodiversity strategy. Their inputs will help prioritize focus areas and potential strategies for these plans. The methodology for developing the LBSAP aims to be scientifically informed and participatory.

Hyderabad is the only city in India to have calculated the city biodiversity index twice. The Telangana government is focused on protecting and enhancing biodiversity through nature-based solutions, including the Ku Haritha Haram program. This program has led to a significant increase in green cover in the GHMC area, as reported in the FSI – 2021 report. The city’s biodiversity index has also improved from 36/92 in 2012 to 57/92 in 2023. Hyderabad has received recognition as the “Tree City of World” twice in 2020 and 2021 by Arbor day Foundation and as the “World Green City” for 2022 by AIPH.

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