Towards Urban Sustainability: Impact of Blue and Green Infrastructure on Building Smart, Climate Resilient and Livable Cities

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has created tremendous pressure on the urban ecosystem, leading to increased demand for building high-end grey infrastructure. There is a need to devise innovative ways for integrating the natural ecosystem within urban planning and development processes. This chapter highlights the importance of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) as an integral part of urbanization. In this chapter, the author has presented an in-depth exploration of Blue-Green Infrastructure, its numerous potentials, and related environmental and socio-economic benefits. The chapter also highlights the application of BGI practice relevant for varied scale, function, and context of an urban environment. A comparative analysis of the case studies depicts how global counterparts are successfully adapting the practice by introducing innovative policy and regulatory framework within their urban-development agenda. The chapter also illustrates the major reforms and policy initiatives the government of India is undertaking to mainstream the sustainable approach of urban development. As an outcome of the research, the author has identified a set of recommendations/strategies that could help the stakeholders to adapt BGI practice and enable its integration within the urban-planning, policy, and development practices.