Teaser - Sanchay: Resilience or Fragility?

In 1950, the world looked vastly different. Back then, only 30% of the global population resided in urban areas, while the majority still lived in rural settings. Today, more than 56% of the world's inhabitants call cities their home, and this trend is showing no signs of slowing down and by 2050, a staggering 68% of the world's population will be living in urban environments. 🇮🇳 India is a vivid example of this rapid urbanization phenomenon. 

In 1951, merely 17% of India's populace dwelled in urban regions. By 2011, this figure had climbed to 31%, and by 2021, it had reached 35% and forecasts indicate that India's urban population will swell to 46% by 2050. 

However, it's essential to remember that urbanization isn't solely about economic growth and the expansion of cityscapes. It encompasses a broader spectrum, encompassing social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. Amidst our pursuit of development and urbanization, we must pause to ponder – how do we strike a balance between the present and a future that is sustainable and prosperous? 

Are we inadvertently relinquishing our rich, place-based knowledge in our quest for progress? In our relentless drive towards development, what vision do we have for the future we'll inhabit? What legacy are we leaving for the generations yet to come? Have we become so engrossed in the present that we've forgotten to glance back at our roots? 

This is not just my story; it's your story, and it's our collective narrative. It's a narrative that demands introspection and action. Are we going to be remembered for our ignorance and repentance, or will this be our clarion call to action? 

Mark your calendars for October 13th 2023, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, as we bring you a compelling documentary that delves deep into these questions. Stay tuned to this space for a thought-provoking exploration of our journey with the Confederation of Risk Reduction Professionals (CRRP India) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

'This work has been conceived by GRRID Corps with support of Sambhali Trust, Mehragarh Museum Trust and the Confederation of Risk Reduction Professionals (CRRP India), within the framework of Net Zero: Heritage for Climate Action, a cascading capacity development project by ICCROM's flagship programme, First Aid and Resilience for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis (FAR), that seeks to leverage indigenous and traditional knowledge for climate change mitigation and adaptation at 5 climate hotspots – Brazil, Egypt, India, Sudan and Uganda. The Net Zero project is generously supported by the Swedish Postcode Foundation.'