The Urban Ecology – Research and Action (uERA) Laboratory is the research and knowledge initiative of Delhi Greens NGO, where interdisciplinary research, policy engagement and action-oriented programmes are developed to advance urban sustainability and environmental stewardship. Founded by Dr. Govind Singh, the Lab serves as a platform for generating evidence-based solutions that address contemporary environmental challenges through research, innovation, capacity building and stakeholder collaboration.
The uERA Laboratory is committed to strengthening the principles of sustainable development by integrating ecological science with urban planning, environmental governance, natural resource management and community engagement. Its work bridges academic research with practical implementation, supporting governments, institutions, civil society organizations and communities in building resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities.
Recognizing that the future of environmental sustainability lies in the balanced development of urban and rural landscapes, the Laboratory undertakes research and action that contribute to environmental security at local, regional and national scales.
“The soul of India today also lives in its towns and cities. To make these large urban centres work, we will have to optimize our urban resource demand while simultaneously ensuring rural development and the protection of our forests and wildlife.” – Dr. Govind Singh
Our Approach
The uERA Laboratory brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, students and citizens to co-create knowledge and develop practical solutions for environmental challenges. Through interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, field-based action, training and public outreach, the Laboratory supports sustainable urban transformation while promoting ecological resilience and environmental justice.
Vision
To become a leading interdisciplinary research and action laboratory that advances sustainable urban futures by connecting science, policy, innovation and community action.
Mission
To generate knowledge, build partnerships, influence policy and implement practical solutions towards ensuring environmentally resilient, socially inclusive and sustainable cities while contributing to broader ecological security and sustainable development.
Research Themes
1. Water Resource Management
- River conservation and restoration (Yamuna and its floodplains)
- Urban lakes, ponds and wetlands conservation
- Groundwater recharge and aquifer management
- Rainwater harvesting and decentralized water systems
- Stormwater management and urban flooding
- Water quality assessment and pollution monitoring
- Wastewater treatment, reuse and recycling
- Water-sensitive urban planning and design
- Community-based water stewardship
- Water governance, policy and environmental justice
2. Corporate Environmental Responsibility & Management
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) implementation
- Corporate sustainability strategy
- Carbon footprint assessment and net-zero pathways
- Environmental compliance and regulatory frameworks
- Resource efficiency (energy, water and materials)
- Circular economy and sustainable production
- Sustainable supply chains and procurement
- Biodiversity conservation in business operations
- Green campuses and workplace sustainability
- CSR-based environmental programmes
- Sustainability reporting and environmental auditing
- Industry–academia partnerships for sustainability innovation
3. Environmental Education & Research
- Urban ecology and environmental research
- Citizen science and participatory monitoring
- Environmental education in schools and colleges
- Youth leadership and green volunteer programmes
- Teacher training and capacity building
- Community awareness and outreach campaigns
- Environmental communication and science outreach
- Policy research and evidence-based decision making
- Traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices
- GIS, remote sensing and environmental data analysis
- Publications, knowledge dissemination and open-access resources
- Conferences, workshops and research collaborations
4. Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation
- Urban climate resilience
- Greenhouse gas inventories and emissions reduction
- Climate adaptation planning
- Urban heat island assessment and mitigation
- Nature-based solutions for climate resilience
- Urban forests and carbon sequestration
- Climate-smart urban planning
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Disaster risk reduction and resilience planning
- Climate finance and sustainable development
- Climate policy and governance
- Community resilience and climate action