As part of our efforts to strengthen engagement with our member cities and highlight impactful leadership, we are pleased to introduce a new section titled “Member in Focus.” This feature spotlights distinguished leaders exclusively from our member cities, showcasing their insights, achievements, and experiences in shaping inclusive, resilient, and future-ready urban communities.
This month, our city in focus is Ahilyanagar, India.
We spoke with Yashwant Dange, Commissioner, to learn more about the city’s cultural identity, sustainability initiatives, and vision for resilient urban development.
Q1. What is one unique aspect of Ahilyanagar that best reflects the city’s identity?
Ahilyanagar, centrally located in western Maharashtra, seamlessly blends historical glory, cultural richness, and economic growth. Located along the Sina River, it was founded in 1494 by Ahmad Nizam Shah I. The city is named after Ahilyabai Holkar, who is respected for her forward-thinking leadership and her work in culture, education, and social welfare. The Ahilyanagar Fort, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, stands as a testament to the city’s historical prominence. This fort once housed key freedom fighters during India’s struggle for independence. From the ancient times of the Nizam Shahi Sultanate to modern engineering marvel such as the Bhandardara Dam, the city reflects a seamless journey through evolving eras of history and culture.
Ahilyanagar Municipal Council, established in the year 1854, was given corporation status in June 2003.
Q2. How is Ahilyanagar strengthening climate resilience and sustainability through its urban initiatives?
Ahilyanagar Municipal Corporation (AMC) is currently developing the ‘Net Zero Climate Resilient City Action Plan for Ahilyanagar city’ under the directive of the Maharashtra Government and in line with the Maharashtra 2047 Viksit goals, global guidelines and the GOI’s Net-zero 2070 targets. Developing the Net-Zero CRCAP for Ahilyanagar is a significant step towards advancing a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the city.
The city’s Sanjaynagar Slum Redevelopment Project has been recognised with the 2026 Silver World Habitat Award. The project involved community-led, in-situ redevelopment focusing on climate-resilient, dignified, and affordable housing.
We have procured 40 electric buses under the PM e-bus Seva Scheme launched by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to improve the air quality and reduce congestion in the city.
Recently, on 1 May 2026, we launched a “Green City Movement,” aimed at planting one lakh trees to improve the city’s green cover and combat rising temperatures. Ahilyanagar is also part of a 13-district state-wide programme focused on groundwater conservation, targeting both rural and urban areas to reduce mismanaged domestic water consumption.
Soon, we will be implementing two projects on city-wide enhancement of the Water Supply and Sewage management under the Maharashtra Urban Water Supply Sanitation & Reuse Programme funded by World Bank.
Through integrated climate action, sustainable mobility, green initiatives, and inclusive urban redevelopment, we are steadily advancing toward a resilient and future-ready urban future.
