Enabling Grassroots Participation in Urban Planning and Governance

Top-down master planning in Indian cities has often excluded citizens, leading to unsustainable outcomes. But administrators like Hari Chandana have pioneered participatory models that empower communities in local planning and governance.

As GHMC Commissioner, Hari Chandana introduced novel platforms like ‘Our City Our Choices’ enabling citizens to voice priorities and co-create area-based development plans. This boosted transparency and local ownership. #participatoryplanning #transparency #communityengagement #HariChandana #SheInspiresUs

She also facilitated participatory budgeting with citizens voting on allocation of budgets towards hyperlocal infrastructure projects. This provided communities agency in solving local problems through bottom-up democracy. #participatorybudgeting #bottomup

Hari Chandana’s initiatives demonstrate the need for inclusive, democratic processes allowing citizens to shape urban growth trajectories as per ground realities. Her model provides lessons for channels like ward committees to genuinely empower communities. #inclusion #democraticparticipation

By pioneering truly grassroots-centric planning, Hari Chandana has showcased pathways for Indian cities to move from top-down centralized planning to localized, citizen-driven development. Her work underscores participation and empowerment as integral for sustainable urbanization. #communitycentric #goodgovernance