Urban Local Bodies and SDG's in India

The United Nations adopted sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There are 17 SDGs with 169 targets. They place the principles of ‘leave no one behind’. Most SDGs have targets that are functions of local governments. In India, ULBs, which are in the process of preparing the statutory master plan or urban mission-linked city development plans, have the opportunity to synchronize their plans with SDGs. Furthermore, each of the 18 functions of the ULBs as mandated under the 74th amendment, directly contribute to the fulfilment of India’s commitment to the SDGs. In this context, the focus of this paper is to highlight tangible action-points that cities and its decision makers can fulfil that will contribute to the achievement of the urban aspects of Agenda 2030, while being mindful of the interlinkages therein. Pursuant to the background section, the second section of this paper describes the process of introducing SDGs to urban elected representatives and officials. This is followed by specific discussion on three SDGs most relevant to ULBs: The SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere; SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all; and SDG11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This is followed by sections illuminating the linkages among SDGs, linkages between SDGs and urban missions as well as SDGs and City Liveability Index. The final section suggests a way forward.