The report describes key features of ADB's operations in India and how these have evolved to support the Government of India's focus on high, inclusive and sustainable growth. As of December 2012, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had approved 168 sovereign loans amounting to $27.2 billion and 344 technical assistance projects amounting to $258 million on a cumulative basis for India. Today, ADB operations cover over 20 states in India. While infrastructure projects in the energy, transport, and urban sectors comprise over 75% of ADB's operations in the country, ADB is also engaged in promoting water resources management, agribusiness infrastructure development, financial inclusion, skills development, and regional cooperation and integration. The report provides a compendium of ongoing projects and case studies across ADB's sectors of operations in India. It also highlights the innovative elements of projects and showcases the impact of development assistance on people's lives and livelihoods.

Cities have played an important role in our lives since the dawn of civilization. However, cities are slowly becoming overwhelmed and therefore intervention is desirable towards green, blue and egalitarian nature. Even with current urban issues, we must rise to the occasion as professionals to create cities that are social, cities that take care of the environment, and cities that are digital. Increased citizen participation is indispensable in this process. The ‘International Conference on Future is Urban (IFCU’ 21) Dec 16-18, 2021, Ahmedabad, India’, takes into account Livability, Resilience & Resource Conservation for planning Future and cities in future.

Solid Waste Management (SWM) is a matter of great concern in the urban areas of developing countries. The municipal authorities who are responsible for managing municipal solid waste are unable to discharge their obligations effectively because they lack the in-house capacity to handle the complexities of the process. It is heartening to see that the World Bank has prepared this book covering all important aspects of municipal SWM in great depth. The book covers very lucidly the present scenario of SWM in urban areas, the system deficiencies that exist, and the steps that need to be taken to correct SWM practices in compliance with Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2000 ratified by the Government of India. The book shares examples of best practices adopted in various parts of the country and abroad, and very appropriately covers the institutional, financial, social, and legal aspects of solid waste management, which are essential for sustainability of the system. It provides a good insight on how to involve the community, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to help improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the service, and shows how contracting mechanisms can be used to involve the private sector in SWM services. This book will be a very useful tool for city managers and various stakeholders who deal with municipal solid waste management in the design and execution of appropriate and cost-effective systems.