Lecture 05 : Water Sensitive Urban Planning #CH28SP #swayamprabha

Summary

The lecture delves into water-sensitive urban planning, emphasizing the evolution of cities from mere water supply-focused entities to ecosystems that prioritize water conservation and reuse. It outlines strategies like rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and the promotion of green infrastructure. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan is highlighted for its efforts in water conservation across India, including the renovation of water bodies and the implementation of policies that encourage water reuse in various sectors. The lecture concludes with the significance of reducing demand for portable water and the proper management of urban stormwater to ensure sustainable urban development.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lecture discusses the evolution of water management in urban areas, emphasizing the transition from conventional to water-sensitive urban planning.
• 💧 The concept of a water-sensitive city involves access to diverse water sources, provision of ecosystem services, and sociopolitical capital for sustainability.
• 🏙️ Urban water management is gradually transforming from a water supply city to a water-sensitive city, with stages including sewerage, stormwater, waterway, water cycle, and finally, a water-sensitive city.
• 🌿 Green infrastructure plays a significant role in water-sensitive urban planning, including the use of vegetated swales, permeable pavements, and rain gardens for stormwater management.
• 🌱 The importance of rainwater harvesting is highlighted as a method to reduce demand for portable water and promote water conservation.
• 🌊 Detention and retention basins are introduced as crucial structures for flood mitigation and water management in urban landscapes.
• 🔄 The reuse of treated wastewater is presented as an essential strategy for water conservation and sustainability in urban areas.
• 🌳 Plantation is encouraged as part of water-sensitive urban planning to prevent erosion, reduce runoff, and increase groundwater recharge.
• 🏛️ The government of India's Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a nationwide campaign aimed at water conservation and the rejuvenation of urban water bodies.
• 🛠️ The implementation of water-sensitive urban planning requires a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government bodies, urban local bodies, and community participation.
• 📈 The lecture concludes with the importance of reducing demand for portable water, treating wastewater for reuse, and managing urban stormwater effectively to create sustainable urban environments.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lecture on water-sensitive urban planning?

The lecture focuses on various concepts related to water-sensitive urban planning, including water-sensitive cities, green infrastructure, water conservation, rainwater harvesting, reuse of treated wastewater, and plantation under the Jal Shakti Mission.

How is a water-sensitive city defined according to Wong and Brown?

A water-sensitive city is defined by Wong and Brown using three points: access to a diversity of water sources underpinned by a diversity of centralized and decentralized infrastructure, provision of ecosystem services for both the built and natural environment, and sociopolitical capital for sustainability and water-sensitive behaviors.

What are the key components of the Urban Water Management Transitions framework?

The key components of the Urban Water Management Transitions framework include the Water Supply City, SE City, Drain City, Waterway City, Water Cycle City, and finally, the Water Sensitive City, representing the evolution of urban water management over time.

What is the purpose of green infrastructure in urban areas?

Green infrastructure aims to enhance the ecological functioning of urban landscapes, support microclimate regulation, sustainable water management, carbon sinks facilitation, and food production, while also providing aesthetic and recreational benefits.

How can rainwater harvesting be implemented in urban areas?

Rainwater harvesting can be implemented through the collection of rainwater from roofs, filtering, and storing it for reuse in tanks or recharge pits. It can also involve the creation of secondary supply pipelines for non-potable water uses such as irrigation or cleaning.

What are the benefits of using water-efficient appliances in urban areas?

Water-efficient appliances help reduce the demand for portable water, minimize wastewater, and promote a more sustainable use of water resources. They can significantly decrease water consumption in activities like flushing toilets, urinals, and taps.

What is the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, and what are its objectives?

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a campaign launched by the Government of India in 2019 to conserve water in the most water-stressed districts. Its objectives include water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional and other water bodies, reuse of water, watershed development, and intensive afforestation.

What measures are taken under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan to improve water conservation and management in urban areas?

Measures include the creation of rainwater harvesting structures, renovation of water bodies, implementation of dual pipe systems for different water sources, mandatory treatment of wastewater for reuse, and rejuvenation of urban water bodies with proper management and maintenance.

How does the Jal Shakti Abhiyan address the issue of wastewater treatment and reuse in urban areas?

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan promotes the treatment of wastewater for reuse in various non-potable purposes such as street washing, construction, horticulture, firefighting, and industrial use. It also mandates the use of treated wastewater by power plants within 50 km of the city.

What role do Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) play in the implementation of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan?

ULBs are responsible for monitoring and implementing various aspects of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, including the creation of rainwater harvesting structures in public and government buildings, ensuring building permissions incorporate rainwater harvesting, and undertaking the rejuvenation and maintenance of urban water bodies.

How does the Jal Shakti Abhiyan incorporate plantation as part of its water conservation efforts?

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan encourages plantation to prevent erosion, reduce runoff, increase groundwater recharge, and develop natural habitats for flora and fauna. ULBs are responsible for undertaking plantation drives and ensuring the survival of trees in various urban spaces.