Centre for Urban and Regional Excellence

(INCLUDe) is a collaborative network and platform led by CURE, dedicated to advancing the cause of slums and low-income settlements. This initiative brings together various Indian NGOs, including SPARC, MHT, Shelter Associates, South Asia HomeNet, Habitat for Humanity, India, YUVA, and CURE, aiming to empower communities and cities through participatory development. It aspires to create a more inclusive framework that harnesses government resources and programmes. Additionally, (INCLUDe) collaborates with research institutions and Think Tanks like NIUA, HSMI, UN Habitat, UNDP, The World Bank, USAID, and GIZ to foster advocacy and nurture the next generation of NGOs dedicated to this cause.

CURE's Water & Sanitation efforts cover a broad spectrum of projects, including capacity-building programmes like USPaCES and collaborative ventures such as PASS and "Building Water Resilient Neighborhoods." It actively contributes to enhancing urban sanitation practices, exemplified by its work on social strategies for water supply and environmental sanitation in Gangtok and the localization of sanitation development policies through Ward Sanitation Plans in Delhi. CURE's practical contributions include the establishment of the Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant in Gokalpuri, East Delhi, and their support for cluster septic tanks and simplified sewer systems in Savda Ghevra, Delhi. It also prioritizes social dignity and well-being through initiatives like "Swatch Delhi-Swasth" and "Shauch, Sharam, Samajikaran, Swabhiman." Overall, CURE is dedicated to improving water and sanitation conditions in urban areas through a multifaceted approach.

CURE, the Centre for Urban and Regional Excellence, engages in a range of impactful initiatives to enhance living conditions in urban areas. Its Housing projects are designed to uplift marginalized communities. In Gangtok, it collaborated with the Urban Development and Housing Department of Sikkim to implement the Rajiv Avas Yojna (RAY), creating a tailored framework for slum development. This involved comprehensive mapping, surveys, and community consultations, ensuring contextually relevant solutions for each slum and integrating them into the city. In Delhi's Savda Ghevra resettlement area, CURE executed the Pocket Reconstruction Project, focusing on maximizing housing spaces for low-income households through innovative design solutions, including space optimization and disaster-proof construction techniques. These housing initiatives showcase CURE's commitment to addressing urban housing challenges with creativity and practicality.

CURE engages in a wide range of urban development projects across various locations in India and Bhutan. These initiatives encompass slum upgrading efforts, sanitation development, housing, and community capacity building. Examples include the Slum Networking for Home Toilets in Delhi, Cluster Septic Tank and Simplified Sewer System in Savda Ghevra, Delhi, and the implementation of the Rajiv Avas Yojna in Gangtok. CURE also participates in crosscutting programs like the Agra Program and Kuchpura Slum Upgrading in Agra. Their work extends to urban planning, redevelopment, and sanitation policies, aiming to create inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban environments.

CURE is actively involved in participatory planning efforts across various regions. Its work includes localizing sanitation development policies by preparing Ward Sanitation Plans in Delhi and implementing the Slum Free City Plan of Action in Ludhiana. In addition, CURE is engaged in citywide slum upgrading planning in Agra, as well as the Kalyanpuri Insitu Redevelopment Plan in Delhi and the City Slum Upgrading Plan and Redevelopment Plan in Rangamatia, Bhubaneswar. It also focuses on in-situ slum upgrading and redevelopment in Raipur and contributes to urban improvement projects like the Taj East Drain Improvement Plan in Agra. Furthermore, CURE extends its efforts internationally, participating in the National Urbanization Plan and Thimpu City Development Strategy in Bhutan and developing a social strategy for a Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Project in Gangtok.