Assisting TNUIFSL under Tamil Nadu Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure Funds

Client: Project Development Grant Fund (PDGF), managed by Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL)
Year: 2025
Location: Tamil Nadu, India

Tamil Nadu is a state with a unique geographical diversity that brings both opportunities and challenges in the face of climate change. The state’s coastal areas, river basins, and mountain ranges make it vulnerable to a range of climate-induced risks, from sea-level rise and coastal erosion to altered rainfall patterns and extreme weather events. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation, emphasizing sustainable urban infrastructure, water management, and disaster resilience.

This long-term assignment is part of the Tamil Nadu Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure Fund – Phase III (SMIF-TN III), a development initiative supported by the KfW Development Bank to strengthen urban resilience in Tamil Nadu. The project involves the deployment of a dedicated Climate Change Adaptation Expert and a multidisciplinary team to assist Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) in integrating climate change considerations into urban planning, infrastructure development, and project implementation across multiple municipalities in the state.

Objectives

The objective of the project is to mainstream climate risk management and adaptation strategies into the entire lifecycle of municipal projects, from planning and design to execution and monitoring. The project supports TNUIFSL in identifying vulnerabilities, conducting climate risk assessments, and developing technical guidelines and tools that enable municipalities to design and implement infrastructure that is resilient to climate change impacts such as urban flooding, extreme heat, and water scarcity.

Services Provided

Spatial Decisions, as Lead Consultant, provided continuous technical assistance to TNUIFSL and various urban local bodies across Tamil Nadu in integrating climate change adaptation into infrastructure project planning and implementation

  • Provided technical support to TNUIFSL and urban local bodies (ULBs) for integrating climate adaptation measures into infrastructure planning and implementation.
  • Conducted climate risk and vulnerability assessments for urban areas to inform project design.
  • Developed tools, guidelines, and frameworks for climate-resilient urban infrastructure planning.
  • Participated in project appraisal processes and offered expert inputs on resilience integration.
  • Facilitated consultations and workshops to build capacity among municipal staff and stakeholders.
  • Ensured alignment with national policies and international environmental and social safeguards, including those of KfW.
  • Coordinated closely with joint venture partners to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery across disciplines.
  • Prepared and submitted detailed quarterly and semi-annual progress reports, along with recommendations for adaptive measures and improvements.
  • Supported communication with KfW and ensured compliance with donor reporting and quality standards.