This report assesses the embodied carbon implications of Bihar’s expanding construction sector, with a focus on projected growth in residential and commercial buildings. Using a data-driven baseline of floor area expansion and an evaluation of alternative material pathways, it identifies opportunities to reduce emissions and advance low-carbon, resource-efficient and circular construction practices.

This report examines opportunities to decarbonise Odisha’s construction sector amid projected growth in residential and commercial buildings. Through an evidence-based assessment of embodied carbon and alternative construction material pathways, it establishes a baseline for emissions and identifies opportunities to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon materials and circular construction practices.

Development Alternatives convened the second high-level roundtable under the Reimagining Local Economies series on 4 February 2026 as part of the SAMUDYAM mission, alongside Climate Asia, GivFunds, Impact Lens, Haqdarshak, Gram Vaani, and NASVI. Building on the first convening in November 2025, which explored the role of entrepreneurship in India's employment future, the discussion focused on a critical question: What systems enable enterprise growth at scale?

Development Alternatives (DA) hosted a Roundtable on 5 November 2025 in New Delhi on Reimagining Local Economies: A Systems Approach to Inclusive Entrepreneurship. The conversation brought together leaders from government, finance, philanthropy, technology, and ecosystem organisations to reflect on what it will take for women and youth entrepreneurs to progress in today’s changing rural economies. Drawing on insights from DA's work in Mirzapur and other districts, participants stressed the need for stronger, more coordinated ecosystem efforts aligned with the SAM-UDYAM mission of enabling One Million Livelihoods by 2030.

The discussion highlighted persistent ecosystem gaps like limited credit access, uneven last-mile enterprise support, low digital preparedness, and gendered constraints, while affirming the transformative potential of the 33,000 CLFs that can anchor local enterprise growth. Insights from our work in Mirzapur, where 16,000 entrepreneurs have been enabled through coordinated action, demonstrated what becomes possible when institutions work collaboratively. Participants emphasised the need to deepen CLF-led enterprise services, strengthen market and finance pathways, expand non-financial support, and mobilise catalytic capital to promote more resilient and inclusive local economies.

This reflective thought piece aims to explore the future trajectories of urbanisation in India, with over 4,000 cities and towns poised for exponential growth and facing challenges in managing infrastructure and delivering urban services. It delves into several crucial aspects of urban development that define how cities function, evolve, and meet the needs of their people. It examines key barriers and potential opportunities to drive sustainable urbanisation. The book strives to stimulate dialogue and raise questions that will help shape pathways for green urban futures in the country - futures that are healthy, inclusive, and regenerative.

The Alt Urban Housing Challenge 2025 was conducted through a unique collaboration between Development Alternative and Dhun Life, emerging from a shared aspiration to reimagine housing in response to the pressing environmental and social issues of our time. The challenge aims to foster climate-resilient, inclusive, and community-driven housing design solutions. This book presents the journey of the Alt Urban Housing Challenge and the insights that emerged from this enriching process.

Environmental injustice towards women and girls was identified as a key issue by the Women’s Empowerment Working Group under India's G20 Presidency in 2023. This Policy Brief draws on existing mechanisms and best practices across G20 economies to recommend ways to ensure equal access to climate technologies for young people, enabling them to combat climate change.

Water is essential for life and ecosystems, but in India, water scarcity and degraded water bodies are growing concerns. The rejuvenation of ponds, which historically play a key role in groundwater recharge, biodiversity support, and meeting human needs, is a vital solution. This report assesses 12 pond rejuvenation interventions, both Amrit Sarovars and non-Amrit Sarovars, across diverse climatic zones in India. It examines their implementation, impact on the triple bottom line, and offers recommendations to improve governance and enhance future efforts under Mission Amrit Sarovar.

"Reflection: Water for Peace" delves into the intricate tapestry of water governance, equity, and sustainability, resonating with the theme of World Water Day 2024. This e-book intertwines diverse perspectives, from gender equity in water management to the nexus between water and culture, offering a roadmap for collective action. Amidst the spectre of water scarcity and climate change, it champions resilience and innovation in the pursuit of a harmonious future. Join this introspective journey, embracing the transformative power of water as a catalyst for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development globally.

In this issue of Work4Progress e-newsletter, we present compelling stories of change, highlighting the significance of collaboration for enabling impact at scale.