The Architectural Research Thesis 2020-21

THE ROLE OF URBAN WATERBODIES IN

MITIGATING WATER CRISIS

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE,
SARVAJANIK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY, ATHWALINES, SURAT.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Submitted by
KAIRAV SHAH
BATCH: - A ROLL NO: - 27
Guided by:
Ar. Sarupa Dave
TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1.0 INTRODUCTION.

1.1 INTENT.

1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS.

2.0 AIM AND OBJECTIVES.

3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.

4.0 METHODOLOGY.

5.0 EXPECTED OUTCOMES.

6.0 REFERENCES.
1.0 INTRODUCTION:
Water crisis: Life threatening situation is a situation where the available potable, unpolluted water within
a region is less than that region's demand. Water scarcity is being driven by two converging phenomena:
growing freshwater use and depletion of usable freshwater resources. It involves two types of water crisis;
Physical water crisis and Economic water crisis. Physical water crisis refers to a situation where natural
water resources are unable to meet a region’s demand and economic water crisis is a result of poor water
management resources.
The reasons behind the water crisis are increasing urbanization in cities, increasing water consumption in
cities, climatic changes, increasing pollution, etc. Urban waterbodies such lakes, ponds, tanks, river, sea,
nalas, etc. which are built to hold water must be protected. These waterbodies not only provide
drinking water, support livelihoods and biodiversity but also control the rate of runoff and subsequently
control the runoff.
Urban waterbodies plays an important role in our life as they are the source for storing water and utilizing
it whenever we are in need of it, but apart from it if we closely look into our daily life then we are losing
our natural exiting urban waterbodies around us. Water is used in our day to day life in many activities so
we need to preserve it and revive our urban waterbodies as well not only for sustainable perspective but
also for social aspects, recreational activities, education purposes, etc.
Today there are many cities in India which are severely facing water shortages and because of insufficient
facilities/services we are not even able to RE-USE the water properly; even because of urbanization we are
unable to meet the increasing demand of water because infrastructural development is taking place
compromising the natural reservoirs and ultimately we are unable to store the rain water. The focus of this
research will be on few urban waterbodies of one region, studying the background and context, their
requirements, issues faced by them, etc. The question should not be where can we get water but it should
be actually how can we use proper facility to preserve water and how can we reuse it properly?

1.1 INTENT:
The intent of selecting this topic is to work on how reviving the waterbodies will help decreasing the water
crisis, how we can increase ground water level, how we can make water reach to as many as households in
the particular city. The purpose behind this is not only to revive waterbody, but mainly to specifically link
and find out why we are facing this water crisis and why it is increasing day by day and what can be the
probable solution for the same.

1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

1. How can we ensure resilience against water crisis?

2. What is the reason behind decreasing ground water every year?
3. Why we are unable to meet the supply chain of water in comparison to increasing demand of water?
4. What could be the probable solutions according to the current scenario?
5. How can we RE-USE waste water and help society to come out of the water crisis?

2.0 AIM & OBJECTIVES:

 To understand the importance and causes for the water crisis and reviving waterbodies for
mitigating the water crisis.

The objectives will be like;

  To identify a region with water crisis according to the following parameters i.e. increasing
population, increasing urbanization, water consumption ratio, changes in climatic conditions, waste
water management facilities, conditions of natural reservoirs and come up with better solution for
water crisis.

 To study general methods taken in past for the same concern.

 To study different rejuvenation projects of waterbodies across India.

3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW:

According to the scenario of past few years; methods are being carried out by different organizations at a
city level such as DJB is going to revive 159 waterbodies in upcoming time. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
government in Delhi has now launched an ambitious plan to improve groundwater levels by reviving
defunct water bodies and constructing lakes to harvest water.
Below presented WATER STRESS INDEX 2019; hotspot cities of India i.e. Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune,
Chennai, Ahmedabad, etc. are at extreme risk.
According to Bureau of Indian Standards, Delhi ranks at very bottom on tap water quality released in 2018.
As clearly visible in above image Delhi failed in 19 parameters out of 28 during sampling carried out where
comparing with Mumbai it is quite opposite in Mumbai. Delhi already facing a severe drinking water
shortages is heading towards a more serious situations because of ground water level depletion over last
two decades, has resulted in 90% of the city being categorized as semi-critical or critical.

4.0 METHODOLOGY:

- The first stage of research (PROBLEM ANALYSIS) will consists of global problems of water
crisis and following the same with in depth analysis of similar problems within Indian context. It
will be important to define main issues for the region.
- The second stage of research will focus on further rejuvenation projects already carried out in past
in order to understand the possible approached carried out. Further if possible one to one discussion
with other well-known Architects who have done such kind of projects.
- The third stage of research (PROBLEM OUTCOMES) will be defining the solution from the
conclusions of previous stage. The various methods which will be used to assess the theories and
practices are mapping, surveys carried out by authorized bodies, quantitative analysis, observations
and also literature studies which will also answer the main hypothesis.

5.0 EXPECTED OUTCOME:

Expected outcome will be some strategies/methods for reviving the urban waterbodies for the region which
will be focused for research after studying its context, referring some case studies for rejuvenation projects
and its methods which ultimately helps mitigating water crisis.

6.0 REFERENCES:
https://issuu.com/landscapeperspectives/docs/2017_synopsis_rupamita
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/reviving-the-will-to-rejuvenate-gurugram-s-traditional-water-
systems/story-tj4XO2ZOmAmliM4W5wnINP.html
https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-qa-how-important-
groundwater?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-water-crisis-rivers-lakes-schemes-governments-environment-
1558254-2019-06-28
https://www.sciencedaily.com/terms/water_crisis.htm
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-of-water-crisis.php
https://www.maplecroft.com/insights/analysis/chennai-is-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-for-indias-water-stressed-
cities/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/90-of-delhi-in-critical-zone-as-groundwater-level-
dips/articleshow/64087255.cms
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/only-mumbai-meets-drinking-water-quality-
standards/article29992150.ece
https://www.123rf.com/photo_97011386_stock-vector-water-crisis-word-cloud-concept-vector-
illustration.html
https://www.civilsocietyonline.com/interviews/we-will-bring-water-bodies-back/
PART II – RESEARCH OUTLINE:
LITERATURE REVIEW:
1. Understanding water scarcity: Definitions and measurements by Chris White, Australian National
University, Australia. (Global Water Forum)

2. Physical Characteristics and Processes Leading to Water Scarcity by Luis Santos Pereira,
Ian Cordery, Iacovos Iacovides. (Springer Link)

Abstract:
The physical characteristics and processes leading to water scarcity complement the discussion of concepts
presented in the preceding chapter. Climatic conditions dominant in water scarce regions are analyzed,
particularly rainfall variability and evaporation. Other contributors to water scarcity such as the essential
hydrologic characteristics of the region, the processes affecting groundwater recharge and availability, and
sediment loads and water quality, including those aspects leading to desertification and water-shortage are
also discussed. The importance of data collection and data quality assessment for planning and management
studies are outlined.
3. Causes and Solutions to the Water Crisis in India by Sujit Chaudhury.
(Association f or Indi a’s Development)
Brief:
In recent times, the water crisis in India has become very critical, affecting millions of people across India.
In 2019, people of Bihar and Assam faced severe flooding, while people of large parts of Jharkhand and
West Bengal are facing drought-like conditions. Much of the water crisis in India is caused not by natural
disasters, but rather because of severe mismanagement of water resources, poor governance, and apathy
about the magnitude of the crisis. To date, much of the water crisis has been concentrated in rural areas and
has been given little mainstream media attention. Unfortunately as the crises worsens, urban areas will start
to feel the adversities associated with water mismanagement.
4. Shirpur pattern to solve water woes of Jalna by Mohammed Akhef. (TOI News)

5. Water scarcity by Mellissa Petruzzello. (Encyclopedia Brittanica)

6. Understanding water scarcity. (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

7. Conservation of Water bodies. (IAS GATEWAY)

8. Water scarcity and the role of storage in development by Andrew Keller R. Sakhtivadivel
David Seckler. (International Water Management Institute)
Summary:
One third of the developing world will face severe water shortages in the twenty-first century even though
large amount of water will continue to annually continue to flood out to sea from water-scarce regions.
Whether the demand is for natural resources or human needs, the only way water supply can match
demand is through storage. There are four ways for storing water-in the soil profile, in underground
aquifers, in small reservoirs and in large reservoirs behind large dams. In this paper the author
concentrates on the three kind of technologies that store water for period of months in small reservoirs,
or years, in aquifers and large reservoirs.
 9. Water Bodies as a Catalyst to Growth and Development- The Case of Kodungallur Town,
Kerala by Bindu C.A and Abdul Razak Mohamed.

Abstract:
The evolution and growth of cities and towns are primarily dependent on three important factors- Its
geographic location, physical environment and its socio-economic environment. The presence of water in
various forms in its natural setting plays an important role in enhancing the quality of physical environment
and the socio-economic environment. During the processes of growth and expansion of cities and towns,
the location of water bodies are seen by the planners and policy makers as liability and constrain rather than
an asset or a resource. The development projects very often ignore the conservation of water bodies and
transform them into other developments. Hence, the preservation, conservation and rejuvenation of water
bodies in urban areas are important. The major factor that contributes to the sustainable development of an
area is its water bodies. Moreover, presence of water bodies give added social, psychological and
environment value. It includes (a) enhancing the aesthetic quality and place quality, thereby contributing to
the image of the city or town (b) enhancing the social and recreational value and thus increasing the
livability of the residents and land value many fold.
10. Water Shortage Challenges and a Way Forward in India by Rajat Chakraborti, Jagjit kaur
and Harpeet Kaur.

11. Ground Water category of India, 2017. (Central Ground Water Board)

12. Importance of Surface Water Bodies for Groundwater Recharge, Ahmedabad Urban Areas,
Gujarat State, India by Prakash Gupte, Anoop Ngar and Padam k Jain.
Abstract:
Multilayered Quaternary alluvium aquifer system down to more than 300 m sustains extensive groundwater
development in Ahmedabad urban areas in central part of mainland Gujarat. The occurrence of groundwater
is variable in quantity and quality, from unconfined to confined aquifers over space and time. Extensive
groundwater development has resulted in lowering of groundwater levels down to 60-80 m in aquifer
system. The rate of decline in deep confined system is also alarming. The urbanization process hinders
natural recharge to the ground water and therefore various measures through rainwater harvesting methods
have been taken to recharge groundwater in urban areas. Many parts of urban areas get flooded during
unexpected spell of high intensity rainfall. To cope with inundation of low lying urban areas, storm water
drainage linking to surface water bodies found to be more effective. With scientific approach to restore
existing surface water bodies, taking into consideration of spatial variation of subsurface aquifer system,
the problems of urban area runoff and issues of groundwater recharge for sustainable development of the
areas can be managed effectively.
13. Hydro-Meteorological data dissemination policy, 2018. (Ministry of Water Resources)

14. Restoration of the Kaikondrahalli Lake in Bangalore: Forging a new urban commons by
Harini Nagendra.
 15. Rain water harvesting in urban areas – issues, need and relevance by Shri Shekhar
Raghavan.

16. Revival of Mansagar Lake, Jaipur A Case study by National Institute of Urban Affairs.

17. Revival and rejuvenation strategy of water bodies in a metropolitan city: a case study of
Najafgarh Lake, Delhi, India by Paridhi Rastogi and S.K.Singh.
Abstract:
Urban Indian cities are facing a water crisis due to loss of watershed, increasing pollution levels,
deteriorating water balance, encroachment, illegal constructions and a dire lack of groundwater recharge.
Although there are sufficient polices and acts for protection and restoration of water bodies they remain
insufficient and ineffective in the face of such complexities. To meet the rising demand for water
augmenting and improving the health of water bodies is of utmost importance. Revival and rejuvenation of
water bodies in cities is especially important from a public health perspective as they provide various
ecosystem services that are required to manage microclimate, biodiversity and nutrient cycling. This paper
looks at Najafgarh Lake, in South-West Delhi that occupied more than 300 km2 in the 1960s and was a
biodiversity hotspot. Currently it stands as a topographical depression brimming with overgrown grass and
garbage. The lake’s disappearance has stolen a chunk of Delhi’s culture and its use as a dumping ground
has raised health concerns for the local population. This can be countered by rejuvenating the Najafgarh
Lake through rainwater harvesting and bio-intensive farming. Most of Delhi’s precipitation falls during the
monsoon in July and August and can be harvested using simple, locally adoptable and eco-friendly low-
cost technologies such as creation of ponds. Implementation of community water management schemes
with maximum people’s participation is crucial to mitigate the ill effects of drought and urbanisation.
Similar studies across India and the world lay precedent for such practices and can ameliorate the water
shortages faced at a micro level.

18. Traditional rain water harvesting in India by Shri Shekhar Raghavan.

19. Indian needs to conserve water bodies by Mahreen Matto. (DownToEarth)

REFERENCES:
https://globalwaterforum.org/2012/05/07/understanding-water-scarcity-definitions-and-measurements/
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4020-9579-5_3
https://aidindia.org/causes-and-solutions-to-the-water-crisis-in-india/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Shirpur-pattern-to-solve-water-woes-of-
Jalna/articleshow/19961501.cms
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_water_scarcity
https://www.britannica.com/topic/water-scarcity
http://www.fao.org/resources/infographics/infographics-details/en/c/218939/
https://iasgatewayy.com/conservation-of-
waterbodies/#:~:text=Why%20India%20needs%20to%20conserve%20waterbodies%3A&text=They%20
play%20an%20important%20role,a%20large%20number%20of%20people
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/water/india-needs-to-conserve-waterbodies-and-value-them-65998