Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA): Finding effective, contextual solutions for urban resilience

Summary

This report is a summary of the GESI‑focused implementation of the SECURe decision support framework in informal settlements in Ajmer, India, highlighting how collaboration between academia, local government and community organisations strengthened urban water services.

It documents how Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, the Ajmer Municipal Corporation, the Public Health Engineering Department and women’s Self‑Help Groups worked together to address persistent challenges such as irregular water supply, reliance on non‑piped sources and climate‑related vulnerabilities.

Through participatory research, water quality testing and spatial mapping, women SHG members emerged as citizen scientists while students gained practice‑based learning. The report demonstrates how integrating education, community knowledge and governance processes can generate evidence‑based insights, empower marginalised women and support more inclusive and resilient urban water management.