NEW DELHI: Urban Adda 2025 wrapped up on World Environment Day after three days of discussion, policy announcements, and public engagement focused on clean mobility, gender equity, and sustainable urban design. Organised by the Raahgiri Foundation in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, and supported by Nagarro, the event brought together over 600 participants across 30 sessions at the India Habitat Centre.Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurating the summit on World Bicycle Day, reflected on his personal use of cycling for commuting and called for a cultural shift: “Cycling is the best form of exercise and the solution to pollution. Let’s shed the idea that it’s only for a certain class. It must become a national movement.”The first day saw Delhi Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh announce the upcoming launch of Delhi’s EV Policy 2.0, which aims to address last-mile safety, eliminate bus shortages, and improve transport governance. “It’s not just about how many buses, but whether people feel safe in them,” he said.The second day spotlighted gender and urban mobility, with actor and entrepreneur Pooja Bedi saying, “Our commute isn’t travel, it’s survival. A medal is reaching home without trauma.” Her remarks called attention to the daily challenges faced by women in public transport.Rajasthan minister Rajyavardhan Rathore spoke about the success of rural electrification in his state, while discussions on electric vehicle localisation warned against blindly replicating internal combustion engine models. “EV localisation must follow demand, not dictate it,” said Neha Jain of JSW MG Motors.The final day focused on climate resilience and public transport governance. ICCT and IIT Roorkee released a comprehensive review of EV emissions. CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma warned of unchecked vehicle growth: “Vehicles have increased 21 times since 1981—but roads have barely doubled.”Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, cited the economic and health toll of pollution in Delhi and called for immediate reforms, including electrification of two- and three-wheelers and adoption of solar-powered technologies in small industries. “Delhi loses Rs 100,000 crore and 6.3 years of life expectancy annually to pollution. It’s time for a war against it,” he said.The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CAQM and the Raahgiri Foundation to develop a Resources Lab for dust pollution mitigation in NCR cities.
