A three-day capacity-building training/workshop for Class II officers was held from April 22 to April 24, 2025

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi

Three-Day Workshop for Class II Officers (Number of participants: 36) on Integrating Green Space into Public Infrastructure Planning Concludes Successfully.
 A three-day capacity-building training/workshop for Class II officers was held from April 22 to April 24, 2025, on the theme 'Integrating Green Space into Public Infrastructure Planning.' The event organized by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Combating Climate Change (MGICCC), Bakoli, Delhi – 110036 .The training aimed to enhance awareness and practical knowledge among government officers regarding the role of green infrastructure in sustainable urban development and climate resilience.

Objective of the Workshop

The primary objective of this workshop was to enhance the capacity of Class II officers in integrating green spaces into public infrastructure planning. Through expert sessions, field visits, and group activities, the workshop aimed to:
- Promote awareness of the ecological, social, and health benefits of

  green infrastructure.
- Build technical knowledge on sustainable urban planning practices.
- Encourage interdepartmental collaboration and community

  participation in greening initiatives.
- Equip officers with practical tools and strategies for incorporating

  green solutions into infrastructure projects at the local and

  regional levels.

The workshop commenced with registration by the organizing team and a formal inauguration by Mr. Saurabh Sharma, IFS, Director of MGICCC, and Mr. Ankit Kumar, IFS, Deputy Director of MGICCC. The dignitaries performed ceremonial lamp lighting, presented attendees with a green token, and took part in group photographs to mark the occasion.

The first day featured three expert-led sessions:
1^st Session:- On 'Introduction to Green Infrastructure and Its Role in Urban Planning' by Prof. Mukesh Rana, Head of the Physics Department, SSN College, Delhi University.

The key points of the discussion are as under:-

• Refers to a network of natural and semi-natural areas designed for ecosystem services like clean air, water, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and quality of life.
•  Unlike traditional "grey" infrastructure, it integrates nature into urban environments through parks, green roofs, urban forests, wetlands, greenways, and rain gardens.
•  Promotes sustainable development, mitigates urban heat islands, manages storm water runoff, reduces pollution, and improves urban aesthetics.
•  Supports climate adaptation strategies, enhances urban biodiversity, and promotes public health.
•  Essential for building resilient and inclusive cities amidst climate change, rapid urbanization and environmental degradation.

2^nd Session:- on the subject of 'Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation through Green Spaces' by Mr. Rakesh Kr. Jha, Senior Faculty, IAS Academy, Delhi.

The key points of the discussion are as under:-

• Importance of climate change mitigation and adaptation Role of green spaces in urban resilience
• Relevance for policymakers and administrators
•  Key causes: Greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, urbanization
•  Impacts: Rising temperatures, extreme weather, biodiversity loss
• Need for local and global action.

3^rd Session:- on the subject of 'Evaluating the Impact of Green Space on Urban Sustainability' by Prof. V.C. Pandey, Director, HMRTM, Bakoli, Delhi.

The objectives of the discussion are as under:-

• Understand the role of green spaces in enhancing urban sustainability.
• Evaluate the environmental, social, and economic impacts.
• Real examples and challenges from Delhi-NCR.
• Explore planning strategies for integration into public infrastructure.

The second day of the workshop featured both technical sessions and a comprehensive field visit aimed at giving participants hands-on exposure to green technologies and sustainable infrastructure models.

In the morning, the participants visited the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Combating Climate Change (MGICCC) campus. They were guided by Mr. Pramod Jain, Lab Assistant, and Mr. Sudhir Sharma, Junior Engineer (Civil), MGICCC. The visit showcased practical demonstrations of:

- Wood-based gasifiers
- Low-cost improved chulhas
- Solar water geysers

- Hydroponic farming
- Other eco-friendly innovations

In the afternoon, participants were taken to the India Habitat Centre, Delhi, where they were welcomed and guided by Dr. Narender Kumar, Director of SWALAMBAN, NGO.

The session focused on the Green Building Concept, where participants learned about energy-efficient architecture, water conservation systems, and integrated green design in urban settings.

This immersive experience gave officers valuable insights into real-world applications of the concepts discussed on Day 1, reinforcing the importance of innovation and sustainability in public infrastructure planning.

The final day of the workshop, held on April 24, 2025, featured key expert sessions and concluded with engaging group activities and formal closing.

The technical sessions included:

1^st Session:-  on the subject of 'Green Space and Public Health: Integrating Health into Infrastructure Planning' by Dr. Ajay Kumar, Associate Professor, Structural Engineering, NIT, Bakoli, Delhi. During the session he discussed the following key issues and its solutions with some example:

• Cities choking-- due to paucity of open spaces
• Vehicular pollution-  killing  cities
• Open spaces always remain at premium
• With growing Cities-, green space become scarce
• Most “liveable” /famous cities – known for parks.
• Hyde Park in London, Central Park in New York,
• Pinjore Garden- Kalka
• Shalimar/Tulip Garden- Srinagar
• Rose/Rock  Garden Chandigarh-- Budha Jayanti Park- Delhi
• Creating quality of life for residents
• attracting  for tourists/ visitors
• Despite positivities-  providing open spaces in cities challenge-space, resources ,development, Maintenance

2^nd Session:- on the subject of 'Ecological Planning and Restoration in Urban Areas' by Prof. Anil Kumar Haritash, Head of the Department, DTU. He discussed the following key points:

• Green infrastructure
• Improved Green cover
• Water Sensitive Urban Design
• Energy Efficient
• Access to Social Spaces
• Preservation and restoration of natural systems

3^rd Session:- on the subject of 'Community Participation in Green Space Planning' by Dr. Narender Kumar, Director, SWALAMBAN NGO. During the session he discussed the following key points:

• About LEED certification
• Benefits of the community participation in improving Green space and environment.
• How to implement community participation
• What is waste
• Problem due to waste
• Effects of waste on human life
• Solid waste management challenges
• What is the Remedy
• What is sansaadhan portal

These sessions emphasized the interconnectedness of public health, community engagement, and ecological integrity in infrastructure development.

Following the sessions, participants engaged in a group discussion where they shared insights and practical approaches to integrating green space into their respective areas of work.

The workshop concluded with a valedictory session, where Mr. Saurabh Sharma, IFS and Mr. Ankit Kumar, IFS addressed the participants distributed certificates, and appreciated the enthusiastic participation and valuable contributions made by the officers.

Mr. Ankit Kumar emphasized, “this training is not just academic-it is a call to action. Let us return to our respective departments and implement these green strategies to create a healthier, more sustainable future.”

About MGICCC:
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Combating Climate Change (MGICCC) is committed to advancing climate literacy, building administrative capacity, and promoting green governance practices at all levels of government.

For media or follow-up inquiries, please contact:
Mr. Harish Kaushik
MGICCC
Mobile No. 8802094859
E-mail ID: ddmgiccc@gmail.com
 

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