The Urban Development Department (UDD), Government of Sikkim, participated in the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in the Asia-Pacific, held at the International Rajasthan Centre in Jaipur. The forum focused on strategic policies and best practices to advance 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and circular economy initiatives in the region.
During the event, Sikkim secured a ₹5 crore challenge fund under the CITIIS 2.0 Challenge through a tripartite agreement. The funding, along with technical assistance, falls under Component 2: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. The CITIIS (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain) 2.0 Challenge is a key initiative under the Government of India’s Smart Cities Mission, implemented by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
The UDD delegation was led by Commissioner-cum-Secretary Jitendra Singh Raje, along with PCA-cum-Secretary Yogeeta Rai, Councillor-Mangan ULB Tshering Doma Bhutia, Additional Secretary Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia, and Urban Planner Niranjan Kapil.
Sikkim’s proposal emphasized climate change mitigation while preserving the state’s environmental and cultural heritage. The allocated funds and technical support will be used to develop climate-smart urban infrastructure and implement green initiatives across the state’s urban centers.
The Urban Development Department reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable urban development, aligning with national and global sustainability goals.
