Resource Conservation: Water Sustainability

Abstract

Sustainability can’t be like some sort of a moral sacrifice or a political dilemma or a philanthropic cause. It has to be a design challenge." Bjarke Ingels, BIG Architects From tabling the Brundtland Commission report in 1987 to The UN Sustainable development goals 2030, we have come a long way in defining and understanding ―sustainability‖. The UN SDG’s are a blueprint towards achieving sustainable growth for people and the planet. Earth’s resources are being depleted faster than ever before but technological advances in various spheres have increased our awareness and knowledge towards mitigating its adverse effects. Globally it is vital to get the support of citizens to achieve environmental, social and economic sustainability for all the stakeholders. This is a case study paper and the different aspects of a liveable city like safety, wellbeing, security and infrastructure while being considered as necessary for any city to function effectively, the focus of the paper is on water sustainability. From floods in Kerala to drought in Vidarbha and Chennai running out of potable drinking water – the climate change crisis is hinting that water sustainability by integrating the water cycle is the need of the hour. A city which has taken initiatives to make itself resilient, sustainable and livable is Rotterdam, Denmark. The Dutch model incorporates water in their city planning and involves community participation through waterfront development and community welfare activities. Present paper looks into one such attempt carried out by Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, which has incorporated the Dutch Model of water management by constructing holding ponds. Also significance and use of Bio-Swale is explained efficiently. A participatory approach in planning and implementation will help cities become livable and sustainable.