REVIVIFYING COURSE:
ENVISIONING THE CITY THROUGH AN URBAN WATER CHANNEL
Water and Sanitation Studio 2020 Studio Guides: Prof. Meera Mehta, Prof. Mona Iyer and Prof. Ashwini Kumar, Teaching Associate: Mr. Smeet Maniar
Stormwater Group Panchal Vivek PG190106
Copyright Revivfying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel Author: Panchal Vivek © [2020], Panchal Vivek Self publishing vivek.pg191147@cept.ac.in ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This document is an output of project undertaken during ‘Water and Sanitation Studio’, Faculty of Planning at CEPT University Ahmedabad. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author. Dedicated to CEPT Ahmedabad Water and Sanitation Studio 2020
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
Contents
1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3
List of Figures Abbreviations & Glossary Introduction Stormwater Sector Overview About the Project Need for the Project
II III 01 01 02 02
2.0 Project Framing 2.1 Methodology 2.2 Vision and Objectives
04 04 04
3.0 Setting The Scene 3.1 Impact of Urbanization on Floodplains 3.2 Disappearing Natural Streams
05 05 06
4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6
Locale Identification Urban Water Channel Evaluation Watershed Analysis Emergence of an Urban Water Channel Historical Timeline Spatial Analysis Key Issues and Challenges
07 07 08 08 09 09 10
5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3
The Case for Change In-Existence Approach Future Proofing: The Change In Perspective Global Concepts and Good Practices
11 11 12 12
6.0 Project Development 6.1 Envision Masterplan of an Urban Water Channel 6.2 Intervention Phase I: Pilot In Water Floating Ecosystem and Water Channel Lining 6.3 Intervention Phase II: Water Sensitive Urban Development 6.4 Project Implementation Strategy and Process 6.5 Project Reflections
13 13 15 17 19 20
References Annexures Annexure 1 : Joint Inspection Status for Kharicut Canal Annexure 2 : Nature Based Solutions : A Key to Resilience Infrastructure Annexure 3 : Global Concepts and Good Practices Annexure 4 : Content Analysis Water and Sanitation Studio 2020 |Stormwater Sector
21 22 22 23 26 28 I
List of Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15
Methodology Country Map of areas prone to floods Impact of Urbanization on surface runoff Disappearing Natural streams and constructed concrete channels Urban water channel evaluation Sabarmati river sub basins Kharicut canal emerging from Khari river Kharicut canal historical timeline Spatial analyis of Kharicut canal Kharicut canal existing proposal WSUD Water cycle Scales of Impact Intervention Phase I: Floating ecosystem & canal lining Intervention Phase II: WSUD Project Implmentation Strategey & Process
Abbreviations and Glossary ADB – Asian Development Bank AMC- Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation AMRUT - Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation AUDA- Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority CETP - Common Effluent treatment Plant CPCB - Central Pollution Control Board CSR – Corporate Social Responsibility GDCR - General Development Control Regulations GIDC - Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation GPCB - Gujarat Pollution Control Board GSI - Green Stormwater Infrastructure GWSSB - Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board LID - Low Impact development SDG- Sustainable Development Goal SuDS - Sustainable Drainage Systems TDR – Transfer of Development Rights ULB – Urban local body WASH - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WSUD – Water Sensitive Urban Design II
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Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
Units of measurements Ha - Hectare Km - Kilometre m- Metre Glossary Lake - A water body having a minimum depth of three metres, spread over more than 10 hectares, and having no or very little aquatic vegetation, is considered as a lake. Drought - Variability of rainfall leading to rainfall deficiency and water shortage causes drought. Waterlogging - Waterlogging is a condition of land in which the soil profile is saturated with water either temporarily or permanently due to Natural and Humaninduced (increase in built cover, deforestation) causes. Urban flooding - In the cities and the towns is a recent phenomenon caused by increasing incidence of heavy rainfall in a short period of time, indiscriminate encroachment of waterways, inadequate capacity of drains and lack of maintenance of the drainage infrastructure. Flood plain - A floodplain or flood plain or flood-plain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river which stretches from the banks of its channel to the base of the enclosing valley walls, and which experiences flooding during periods of high discharge. Urban runoff - Urban runoff is surface runoff of rainwater created by urbanization. This runoff is a major source of flooding and water pollution in urban communities worldwide. Canal or Urban water channel - Canals are waterways channels, or artificial waterways, for water conveyance, or to service water transport vehicles. They may also help with irrigation. It can be thought of as an artificial version of a river. Canals carry free surface flow under atmospheric pressure.
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1. Introduction 1.1 Stormwater Sector Overview After assessing the city on the lines of stormwater management, White water resource, urban flood mitigation, green infrastructure, and sustainable stormwater approach are potential places for intervention and lay the basis for thematic mapping over which we tried to come up with solutions further detailing them into possible projects which cover aspects such as Reducing stress on existing Water resources, Public health, SuDS, LID, intersectoral overlaps in WASH taking into consideration the needs and future capacity of Ahmedabad city. We formulated our vision and objectives based on the learnings of the city assessment and innovative national and international good practices. Our vision is Sustainable Stormwater Management to rejuvenate water resources and build resilience against urban floods and waterlogging. To accomplish this, our objectives are to use stormwater as a resource and manage rainwater runoff as a concern. Management in one sector leads to a smooth flow of services in others. Stormwater if managed properly can reduce the water stress in the city significantly. To reach a comprehensive stormwater management plan, we need to efficiently harvest, soak, manage, and store rainwater which can be achieved through interlinking our proposals. A wide range of white-water benefits often remains unknown, poorly measured, or undervalued. Improper stormwater management affects the vitality and viability of the communities and the city. As a result, the interventions are visualized with long-term and short-term objectives at regional, city, LAP, and project levels. The interventions are an effort to deal with pressing issues of climate change and move towards sustainable development which covers four Sustainable Development Goals of climate change, sustainable cities, clean water and sanitation, life below water, and life on land. The following interventions reduce the risk of waterlogging, the vulnerability of slums, and pressure on drainage coverage and improvement in green cover, water bodies along their catchments. Develop a Green Field area using Low Impact Development Concept to manage Storm Water through the Town Planning Scheme Mechanism. Another way to seep more stormwater into the ground is in the form of sponge open spaces. How to reduce the vulnerability in slums. Stormwater management strategies at the catchment level – Lake Rejuvenation Revivifying course: Envisioning the city through an urban water channel The intervention outlined in this report focuses on stormwater management practices to intervene at the regional level along the course of the urban water channel (Kharicut canal) located on the eastern part of Ahmedabad city. 1
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1.2. About the Project Urban floodplains are prime components of river ecosystems. They play multiple roles, such as helping absorb excess water during flooding, act as a filter to improving surface water quality, and provide a habitat for wildlife. Floodplain refers to the land adjoining a river or urban stream that is subject to flooding during periods of high discharge. It means that floodplains may be inundated with water only during specific periods of the year while remaining dry during the rest. Floodplains depending on the stretch of the river or urban stream could be forested areas, grasslands, sustenance agriculture, and water bodies such as lakes and ponds. Ahmedabad‘s disappearing natural streams, decreasing water flow, and drying of water bodies due to a multitude of reasons ranging from loss of catchment area to rapid development have made the floodplains vulnerable. Urbanization has adversely affected the natural drainage pattern of the city too, which results in more water-logged areas and periodic flooding. Besides the increased spatial stormwater coverage, the drainage channels experience negative consequences of urbanization, also evident through pollution of stormwater runoff, mixed sewers, and mismanagement of solid waste. As a consequence, the management of urban runoff not only mitigates the presence of natural drains but also reduces the stress on water resources through a sustainable approach. The project thought represents the challenges and opportunities for stormwater management practices along the course of an urban water channel (Kharicut canal) in the age of planning smart cities.
1.2 Need for the Project The 138 years old Kharicut Canal flows through the GIDC estates at Naroda, Odhav, and Vatva, amongst the highly industrialized golden corridor of Gujarat. Essentially built to provide irrigation and water supply facilities to the nearby villages of the eastern part of Ahmedabad, the urban water channel also acts as a lake feeder and serves as stormwater drainage during monsoon. The effluents from waterintensive industrial units finding their way into the canal through open drains and illegal dumping of solid waste from urban areas have led to the deterioration of waterbody, groundwater pollution, water logging problems, and crop failure in the water channel downstream. At present, the city overlooked its (mis)use, and the Kharicut canal system, which was once, remodelled to prevent flooding in the Eastern part, has lost its purpose. The nature-based solutions will suffice stormwater management in the urban area and bring the course of urban water channel back to its life.
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Kharicut Canal, Ahmedabad
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
2. Project Framing 2.1 Methodology The methodology encompasses two prime facets Locale-Specific (LS)and LS LS Literary Review (LR). Perceiving vision and objectives for an urban water channel LS LS qualitative analysis has been followed along with multiple contents based on its existing and past state of affairs. Lessons LR LR learned through the literary facet of stormwater management complement the focus and lay a holistic approach for LR LR interventions to overcome issues and challenges along the course of the Kharicut LS canal. Further, even to better on-ground LS stormwater management assets of the city, online consultation with stakeholders, LS LS dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers ease the process of estimating a project cost and implementation strategy under LS LS the prevented circumstances of the novel COVID-19 across the globe.
Understand Understand thethe Potential Potential Urban Urban Water Channel Water Channel
Define Objectives and Targets Define Objectives and Targets
Adapting WSUD Principles and Adapting WSUD Principles and Identify Suitable Measures Identify Suitable Measures
Global Concepts & Good Practices Global Concepts & Good Practices
Conceptualize Conceptualize A Pilot A Pilot Project Project Along Along Course Urban Water Channel TheThe Course Of Of Urban Water Channel Online Online Consultation Consultation With With Dealers, Dealers, Manufactures & Suppliers to Estimate Manufactures & Suppliers to Estimate Project Cost TheThe Project Cost Project Project Implementation Implementation Strategy Strategy
Figure 1: Methodology
2.2 Vision and Objectives Often covered-up and misused natural drains are one of the crucial contributors to waterlogging. The sustainable stormwater approach adopted offers a holistic vision of improving the ‘Resilience and Livability’ of the urban areas along the length of the Kharicut canal. The objectives outlined under six themes to achieve the vision focus on a new approach of laying stormwater infrastructure on the eastern part that makes the urban water channel and the city more resilient. Natural Drains + Waterbodies: Restore the natural drainage pattern and water bodies to create a room for lost biodiversity and connect local communities. Stormwater Runoff + Combined Sewer: To reduce the amount of stormwater runoff going into the mixed sewers Enhancing Quality Life: A clean view of waterfront or waterbodies and increased greens adjacent to water can lead to significant property value rise. It will enhance safe environment and recreational opportunities. Urban Flood Plain Mitigation: To slow down and attenuate floodwater by spreading out flows over natural drains considering urban growth scenarios and the simulation of the corresponding flood conditions. Water and Sanitation Studio 2020 |Stormwater Sector
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Blue Green Infrastructure: To introduce blue and green spaces along the developed course of natural drainage pattern to maintain the ecological balance. Protect Infrastructure: To store and detain excess runoff water from large rainfall events in parks and multiple use corridors
3. Setting the Scene Apart from natural causes like incessant and heavy rainfall during the monsoon, there are human factors that contribute to floods in India. Ahmedabad is highly vulnerable to flood risk as the urban sprawl emerged, ignoring the floodplains of the city over Spatial Growth time.
1975 110 Sq.km
Ahmedabad
Decrease Infiltra
1612
Figure 2: Country Map of areas prone to floods
Source: drishtiias
3.1 Impact of Urbanization on Urban Flood Plains Image Source: International Journal of Research in Geography (IJRG),the Times of India Urbanization in flood plains areas increases risk of flooding due to accumulated peak discharge and volume and decreased time to peak. As impermeability increases, less water infiltrates, and more and more runs off. In highly urbanized areas, over half of the rain becomes surface runoff, and deep infiltration is barely
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a fraction of what it was naturally. The city of Ahmedabad, with a rainfall intensity of 12 mm/ hour, induces 1380 billion litres annually urban runoff, to which the city’s capacity to soak is 1170 billion litres annually. The increased surface runoff has become a concern today for the city as it is unable to capture and treat it efficiently due to the inadequate capacity of drains and lack of maintenance of drainage infrastructure. With the trend of rapid urbanization, the decrease in green cover, loss of area under natural drains, lakes, and insufficient rainwater harvesting will further reduce the city’s capacity to infiltrate stormwater, which leads to waterlogging events. Even though the occurrences of floods cannot be prevented, the negative consequences can be minimized by an integrated approach to stormwater management. Spatial Growth of Ahmedabad City
1975 110 Sq.km
1996 196 Sq.km
2020 440 Sq.km
Decrease Infiltration With Increased Surface Runoff (Billion Litres/Annum)
1612
1035
1544
1097
1170
1380
Figure 3 : Impact of Urbanization on surface runoff
3.2 Disappearing Natural Streams The natural flowing streams over the topography of the city have transformed over the years. Of course, the effect of human activity on the natural channel cannot be neglected in the context of the urban water environment, getting disappeared to converting into concrete channels. In the course of flooding years of the city, few ephemeral streams got revived through regained water. Gota-Godhavi and Dholka Branch canal on the west while Kharicut canal on the east is amongst the constructed water channels which suffice the water demand in the vicinity. Water and Sanitation Studio 2020 |Stormwater Sector
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MAY 2000 Few drains on the south eastern side of AMC have disappeared
MAY 2005 The drains which were visible in May 2000 on the north-western side of AMC disappeared.
AUGUST 2006 Flood year.. One of the drain on north western side of AMC regained its water!
MAY 2010 Few canals were constructed on north western side Of AMC. Details!
AUGUST 2010 Few canals were constructed on north western side of AMC. Details! Similar to 2007
JULY 2017 Flood year. Few canals were constructed on north western side of AMC. Details!
Figure 4 : Disappearing Natural streams and constructed concrete channels
4. Locale Identification
mage Source: Google Earth Satellite Imagery
Source : Google Earth imagery
AMC AUDA Stream order 2 Stream order 3 Stream order 4 Stream order 5 Constructed canals
4.1 Urban Water Channel Evaluation An open water channel in the centre of the concrete jungle often creates a sense of belonging to nature. Ahmedabad is home to five such water channels, namely Narmada Canal, Dholka Branch Canal, GotaGodhavi Canal, Fatehwadi Canal, Kharicut canal, and water bodies. Considering the circumstances of COVID -19, the assessment of three distinctive urban water channels was put through various parameters scrutinizing the contents such as newspaper articles, reports to understand the impact on their sensitivity due to urbanization. The highly-affected amongst these carried forward as a potential study local to intervene in stormwater management interventions. 7
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Existing Images of polluted Kharicut canal at various locations
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel Gota Godhavi Canal
High
Moderate
Kharicut Canal
Sabarmati Downstream
Low
Population Density Parameters
Perennial Blue Cover Pollution Biodiversity Loss Agriculture Dependency Industrial Waste Infrastructure investments Figure 5 : Urban water channel evaluation
4.2 Watershed Analysis
The Sabarmati River basin comprises of Dharoi, Hathmati, and Watrak subbasins. The first-order stream of the Khari river originating from the hills near Nandol, 20 kilometres east of Gandhinagar, bordering Ahmedabad district, joins the Meshwo River down the route, a tributary of the Sabarmati near Vautha on the border of Kheda district. Kharicut canal, an extension of the Khari river, enters into the city upstream at Nirma Bridge at a distance of 3 kilometres in the north direction and downstream at Vinjhol Village Bridge at a distance of 100 meters in the northeast direction.
Dharoi Basin
Khari River
Watrak Basin
Figure 6 : Sabarmati river sub basins
4.3 Emergence of Kharicut canal The Kharicut canal, a tributary of the Khari river, was constructed for water supply and irrigation support to 10,200 hectares spread over in Daskroi taluka of Ahmedabad district and Mahemdavad taluka of Kheda district. Moreover, ten lakes and forty-two villages are dependent upon the water flowing in the channel. The 20-meter-wide urban water channel, flowing through eastern Ahmedabad for nearly 21 kilometres, covers eight ward areas of AMC like Balunagar, Naroda, Nikol, Odhav, Ghodasr, and Vastral.
Figure 7 : Kharicut canal emerging from Khari river
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4.4 Historical Timeline Black water started to flow in Kharicut Canal from Industries
1980 1960 Industries established along the course of Kharicut Canal without envisaged waste water infrastructure
1900
2011 The ground water is being over exploited due to industrial use. The polluted water has direct impact on flora, fauna and human population 2017 Establishment of CETP Mega Pipeline for the industrial belt
2002 Desilted released water submerged 2,000 houses and killed 9 children
2000
1950
2015
1974 Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution)Act
2008 Treated effluent leads to deterioration of water body and poses serious risk to the human, animals and aquatic biota
Campaign to Clean Kharicut canal under Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan 2018 to ensure pure water & Kharicut Canal to turn into six lane road (Proposed)
2018
1979 Gujarat Water Supply & Sewerage Board (GWSSB) 1984 Environment Protection Act
2019 Impact of lockdown due to COVID 19. No significant water quality improvement in the industrial areas. 2020 Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding sewage pollution of Kharicut canal
Figure 8 : Kharicut canal historical timeline
365
PPH
Figure 9 : Spatial analyis of Kharicut canal
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48 %
Built Mass
Streets
Vacant Land
17% 103 Ha 17% Streets 103 Ha Vacant Land
Green Cover
Land Use
Figure Ground
Satellite Imagery
Vacant Land
17% 103 Ha
Streets
Green Cover Green Cover
Land Use
Figure Ground
Satellite Imagery
Vacant Land
17% 103 Ha
Streets
52 %
Residential
Source: Maps generated From CEPT UTC 2019 Studio
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Green Cover
Land Use
Satellite Imagery
Vacant Land
17% 103 Ha
Streets
Green Cover
Land Use
Figure Ground
Satellite Imagery
Vacant Land
17% 103 Ha
Streets
Green Cover
Land Use
Figure Ground
Land Use
4.5 Spatial Analysis
Figure Ground Figure Ground
Kalambandhi an association of eleven villages of Kheda district constructed the channel in Kalambandhi, an association of eleven villages of Kheda district, constructed the channel in the 18th century to draw water from the Khari river for agriculture and drinking purpose, which was later called as Kharicut canal and considered to be one the most iconic infrastructure marvel of the city. A decade later, its inception, the urban water channels has a colossal history, from being known to get polluted to ensuring pure water through its clean campaign under various missions. Satellite Imagery Satellite Imagery
1880
Kharicut canal established and later identified as Class B canals ( Storages works) under irrigation works by the Royal Commission on Agriculture (1926) in Deccan.
0.7 %
Green Cover
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
In the vicinity along the course of the Kharicut canal, the land use possess a densely built environment with a population density of 335 people per hectare. The bare amount of blue-green cover and open to the built ratio attenuating fraction of stormwater surface runoff has raised an alarming situation for the urban areas.The amount of vacant land available today needs to be utilized in a right manner as it will play a key role while introducing sustainable stormwater management.
4.6 Key Issues and Challanges CETPs does not adhere to outlet norms in discharging effluents, nondisposal of hazardous waste, leading to the pollution of natural water bodies. Industrial units blatantly violate the law and pollution norms. The groundwater is being overexploited as well as the soil of the surrounding areas due to industrial use. Heavy metal concentration and sedimentation due to the presence of dyes and direct discharge of effluent into the water channel has resulted in crop failure downstream. The polluted water has a direct impact on flora, fauna, and the human population. More than 10,000 acres of land were destroyed and even affected the health of people. The canal carries sewage and solid waste of the nearby colonies along with untreated waste from industries. Stormwater channelized into the canal through residential and industrial units by making illegal breaches/punctures into the wall of the water channel as well as dispose of sewerage drainage. 104 CCTVs installed on 53 locations by AMC, has not served the purpose of monitoring. The capacity constraints of the CETP mega line resulted in an overflow of industrial effluent from manholes through stormwater drains. Heavy rains in the upstream areas and subsequent inflow of water in the water channel causes waterlogging up to 2 feet in the surrounded areas.
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5. The Case for Change 5.1 In-Existence Approach Do The City Require Grey Infrastructure?
Figure 10 : Kharicut canal existing proposal
Source : Times of India
The 138 years old Kharicut canal will be covered and converted into a 21-kilometer six-lane road. The state officials have given AMC in-principle approval for the redevelopment of the water channel at a worth of Rs 451crore. The proposal will curb the pollution caused by toxic waste, illegal dumping of domestic waste and also ease traffic congestion in the surrounding industrial areas. The new envisaged avatar of the urban water channel will quietly replace earlier plans for a vehiclefree, pedestrian-friendly public space along the course of the canal. The canal likely to turn into a closed duct carrying sewage and stormwater lines to reduce waterlogging led to a question does the city require a grey infrastructure solution? Because on the other hand, countries across the globe are adopting nature-based solutions to peel their grey infrastructure to a natural flowing water stream.
Case Study | Nature Based Solutions: A Key to Resilient Infrastructure
Before
After
Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul
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Before Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Singapore
After
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
5.2 Future Proofing: The Change in Perspective
Making Room for Water
The delineated issues led the urban water channel to accumulate solid waste, hazardous industrial effluent/ sewage, deterioration of water quality, and highly mismanagement of stormwater, which has become an eyesore to the residing communities today. A leap forward is needed to shift the common perception of stormwater as a waste to a non-renewable natural resource to be protected and stored. The idea to capture increased urban runoff can be summarized through four nature-based strategies under the theme Make Room for Water. Design for variability: As water processes are seasonal, the design should reflect variability and periodic flood change. Sponge spaces and safe failure: The network of small-to-medium sized green areas to absorb and store excess runoff water. Don’t let it go: Rainwater is a precious resource and should be retained and used on the spot. Let it seep through: Permeable grounds restore the natural water cycle, allowing humidity exchange between air and the soil. [1] [1] Design for flooding: how cities can make room for water
5.3 Global Concepts and Good Practices The integration of stormwater solutions with urban development is a way to reintroduce the natural water cycle as nearby. There are a variety of tools and methods which cities across the globe adopt for the innovative integrated stormwater. The concepts of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), Low Impact Development (LID), Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), Urban Watershed Management, Sponge City, and Integrated Blue-Green Systems approaches are widely applied to solve stormwater challenges with boosting urban development. Unlike the standardized stormwater drainage system, these practices emphasize stormwater as a resource and as a concern to build liveability and resilience.
Figure 11 : WSUD Water cycle
Source : Hoban & Wong,2006
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6. Project Development 6.1 Envision Masterplan of an Urban Water Channel The Kharicut Canal conceptual masterplan was developed for the polluted stretch based on the water quality joint inspection report of the channel by GPCB and CPCB. As envisaged in the masterplan, the urban water channels include stormwater streets, surface water retention corridors, community-based interventions, blue-green infrastructure, and other site-specific installations as a part of a sustainable stormwater management approach. The pilot project, in the hotspot to the downstream of the water channel near Vatva GIDC, envisioned to improve resilience and liveability of the built environment.
Scales of Impact The rainwater can be stored, recycled, cleaned, and infiltrated into the groundwater by treating it with locale-specific applications at building scale, ground scale, and in situ urban water channel.
OVER
BUILDING SCALE
ON
GROUNDSCAPE
UNDER
URBAN WATER CHANNEL Figure 12 : Scales of Impact
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Legends
Business
Community Engagement
Recreational Spaces
Kharicut Canal Masterplan
Legend
Business
Community Engagement
Recreational Spaces Blue Green Interventions (BGI)
Blue Green Interventions (BGI)
Retention Corridor
Stormwater Corridor
Stormwater Streets
Retention Corridor Stormwater Corridor
Polluted Surface Water Quality (Brown Colour as per GPCB) Pilot Project Stretch
Kharicut Canal
Maninagar
Water Plazas (BGI)
Polluted Surface Water Quality (Brown Colour as per GPCB)
Vatva GIDC
Pilot Project
Pilot Project
21 Km Kharicut Canal
Odhav
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Naroda
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Recreational Spaces
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6.2 Intervention Phase I: Pilot In water Floating Ecosystem and Water Channel Lining The short-term pilot project for 1 kilometer stretch of urban water channel demonstrates the addition of in situ biomatrix floating ecosystem and canal lining through gabion and rock mattresses. Upon consulting an environment-friendly institution, the upgrades are adopted likely to bring water back to life, considering the site precedent to illegal discharge of industrial effluents into the water channel. The floating ecosystem will have multiple benefits including habitat creation, urban water scaping, water quality management and waste water treatment.
Gabion- Rock mattress Channel Lining
40 % Water Channel Surface Area To Be Covered With Floating Ecosystems
Floating Ecosystems
40 % Water Channel Surface Area To Be Covered With Floating Ecosystems
Figure 13 : Intervention Phase I: Floating ecosystem & canal lining
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Gabion and Rock Mattresses Lining
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
Gabion / Rock Mattress Lining
Biomatrix Floating Ecosystems
Illustrative image of Kharicut canal
• • • • • • •
Intervention Goals: To minimize the seepage loss and contamination of ground water Protect surrounding areas prone to water logging Increased discharge carrying capacity Reduction in maintenance To improve surface water quality and reduce water pollution due to discharge of industrial waste and domestic waste In situ water treatment for irrigation purpose and reduce loss of agriculture land Bringing water to life and ecologyy benefits CAPEX: 10.96 Cr/Km Key Stakeholders: AMC, AUDA, GPCB, Civil Society, Industrial Association Implementation Strategy: Public Private Partnership Funding Source: Sujalam Sufalam Yojna, AMRUT or CSR Revenue Source: Betterment charges, Advertising Hoarding Water and Sanitation Studio 2020 |Stormwater Sector
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6.3 Intervention Phase II: Water Sensitive Urban Development In the medium term, the extensive undertaking of opening up the canal edge would take shape along with the right of way expansion. The land captured for upgrades would be compensated either through TDR or relaxation or an amount based on land value, whichever is higher. Following this, stormwater streets and retention corridors are executed to attenuate the flow of stormwater and store it for future purposes. The undeveloped open plots are delineated as water plazas and sponge open spaces to increase the blue-green infrastructure of the city. The implementation of WSUD features maximizes water channel values, manage flood risk, reduce toxic water pollution and waterlogging problems.
Canal Edge Development, Stormwater Corridor/ Streets & Water Plaza
Transfer of Development Rights, Land Value Capture Mechanism
Transfer of development Rights (TDR)
Figure 14 : Intervention Phase II: WSUD
• • •
Source : The sponge handbook, Chennai
Intervention Goals: Slow down the flow rate of stormwater considering the urban growth scenario Increased blue-green spaces adjacent to water channel to enhance quality life Smart responsive stormwater system to store it as a resource for later use Key Stakeholders: AMC, AUDA, GPCB, Civil Society, Industrial Association, Real Estate Developers, Institutions Implementation Strategy: Public Private Partnership, Community Participation, Land Value Capture, TDR, Land Readjustment, JV Developments Funding Source: Smart City Mission, AMRUT, ADB, CSR Revenue Source: Betterment charges, Advertising Hoarding, Rented Spaces, Land value, Property Tax
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Schematic Section
TDR Building edge Right of Way Canal Edge Design Source: Gowanus Lowlands Draft Masterplan, Brooklyn
Canal Edge Design Right of Way Building edge TDR
Schematic Section
URBAN WATER CHANNEL
Urban Water Channel
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6.4 Project Implementation Strategy and Process The implementation strategy is a series of steps categorize into four stages with increasing scale; as the project progresses, some parts are built and tested, while others gestate. Reimagining the Kharicut canal as an asset to stormwater infrastructure will serve as a bridge between communities and the project, which will help the local government to design and conduct participatory planning, communication activities, awareness programs, monitoring, and raise funds for the stormwater management practices. The future approaches need to be comprehensive, integrative, long-term, and nature inclusive. The city with the time flowing needs a successful mechanism to jointly plan and fund projects that cross interdepartmental boundaries and address multiple community needs.
01
02
03
PLAN
DO
IMPLEMENT
Prepare visionary plan and objectives
Perform participatory planning • Architects & Planners • Neighbourhood Communities • Institutions • Stakeholders ( Industries & Real Estate)
Deliver design through strategic actions
• In water Floating Ecosystem
& Water Channel Lining • Water Sensitive Urban Development
Financing • ADB, CSR, Smart City Mission, AMRUT
03
O
IMPLEMENT
rform participatory planning Architects & Planners Neighbourhood Communities Institutions Stakeholders ( Industries & Real Estate)
Deliver design through strategic actions
ancing ADB, CSR, Smart City Mission, AMRUT
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• Awareness Programs • Advertisement Through
04
04
• Awareness Programs • Advertisement Through
Wall Paintings, Printed IEC material, Radio and Display Boards • Community Meetings • Interactive workshops • Cultural events and public art
ACT Monitor and improve the performance of civic infrastructure in built environment
• Regular servicing, O&M carried Wall Paintings, Printed IEC out by AMC/ AUDA and material, Radio and Display neighbourhood communities Boards • Smart Monitoring System • Community Meetings Performance by GPCB/ CPCB • Interactive workshops • Cultural events and public art Figure 15 : Project Implmentation Strategey & Process Graphic Illustration Source : cityof1000tanks.org
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ACT
Monitor a performa in built en
• Regula
out by neighb • Smart M Perform
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
Project Phasing The pilot project will be demonstrating for a 1 kilometre of the canal length to the downstream near Vatva estate. The timeline illustrates the implementation steps of interventions planned along the course of the Kharicut canal. The implementation of a pilot in situ floating ecosystem and channel lining can kickstart with the existing GDCR regulations and gradually expanding once the neighbouring communities are aware and find belonging to the project. After the successful implementation of the first phase, the execution of WSUD can commence with canal edge development and stormwater corridor/streets through TDR/ land value capture mechanism creating a sense of place. In the long term, other installations such as the rain gardens, public realm, recreational spaces can happen parallel. Short Term (2-5 Years)
Medium Term (5-10 Years)
Long Term (Up to 2040)
Phase I: In water Floating Ecosystem & Water Channel Lining Phase II: Water Sensitive Urban Design
6.5 Project Reflections Climate change, population density, rapid urbanization, changing land use, industrial and agriculture production, and community expectations for a liveable, sustainable and resilient city are some of the drivers for improved and sustainable stormwater management. Business as usual is no longer the way to think about the urban water channel. Nature inclusive interventions ideated for the Kharicut canal have paved the city path to manage flood risk, attenuate urban runoff, protect areas prone to waterlogging, enhance the water quality, and bringing back biodiversity through innovative stormwater management practices. Apart from this, the project outcomes on the eastern part of the city will improve the land value, community engagement to the water, and attains the WSUD water cycle.Yesterday’s siloed, short-term, and reactive approaches have created today’s problems. Learning-bydoing gives a reality check by partnering global sustainable development goals with what is happening on the ground. Cities will need to prioritize resilience to thrive. Nature-based solutions can help deliver resilient, affordable, and equitable infrastructure, but only if the departments can work together for the good of their communities.
Image Credit: Studio Dreiseitl
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References
References Anderson, L. B. (2020, July 7). Collaboration on Nature-Based Solutions Is Key to Resilient City Infrastructure. The City Fix. Retrieved from https://thecityfix.com/blog/ collaboration-nature-based-solutions-key-resilient-city-infrastructure-lisa-beyerjames-anderson/ Berry Gersonius, R. A. (2016). Flood Resilience in Water Sensitive Cities. Australian Government, Industry, Innovation and Science. Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/324836770_Flood_resilience_in_Water_Sensitive_Cities_Guidance_for_ enhancing_flood_resilience_in_the_context_of_an_Australian_water_sensitive_city_ Flood_Resilience_in_Water_Sensitive_Cities_Guidance_for_enhancin Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project. (n.d.). Landscape Performance Series. Retrieved from https://www.landscapeperformance.org/case-study-briefs/ cheonggyecheon-stream-restoration#/project-team Dave, K. (2018, May 19). Kharicut canal to turn into six-lane road. Times of India. Retrieved from twitter.com: https://twitter.com/CMOGuj/ status/997714476160966656 design-principles. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2020, from cityof1000tanks.org: https://www.cityof1000tanks.org/design-principles Dinesh Kumar M, V. B. (2000). Augmenting or Dividing: Surface water Management in the water scarce river basin of Sabarmati. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate. net/publication/313220240_Augmenting_or_Dividing_Surface_water_Management_ in_the_water_scarce_river_basin_of_Sabarmati Drishtiias. (2020, July 9). Retrieved from drishtiias.com: https://www.drishtiias.com/ daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/flood-management-in-india Floating-Ecosystems. (n.d.). Retrieved from biomatrixwater.com: https://www. biomatrixwater.com/floating-ecosystems/ (2018). Gowanus Lowlands Master Plan. Gowanus Canal Conservancy. Retrieved from https://gowanuscanalconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/190205_ DRAFT_Gowanus-Lowlands-Master-Plan_All-Chapters.pdf (2019). JOINT UPDATED STATUS OF KHARI RIVER AND KHARICUT CANAL IN GUJARAT. CENTRAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD AND GUJARAT POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD GANDHINAGAR. Palazzo, E. (2018, December 5). Design for flooding: how cities can make room for water. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/design-forflooding-how-cities-can-make-room-for-water-105844 Plans and Guidelines. (n.d.). Retrieved from blacktown.nsw.gov.au: https://www. blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Plan-build/Stage-2-plans-and-guidelines/Water-SensitiveUrban-Design-WSUD/Why-do-we-do-water-sensitive-urban-design-WSUD Sourav Kumar Biswas, P. R. (2019). The Sponge Handbook - Chennai. international landscape collabrative. Retrieved from http://landscape-collaborative.org/chennaisponge-report.html 21
Master of Urban Infrastructure 2019-21
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
Annexure 1
Joint Inspection Status for Kharicut Canal by CPCB &GPCB The location K1 of the Kharicut Canal is considered as upstream location, at location K4 the Kharicut canal meets the path of Khari River (during visit no flow in River Khari upstream before the confluence point of Kharicut Canal was observed), the location of Khari River at Lali Village is considered as downstream for the present study of the stretch.
Source : JOINT UPDATED STATUS OF KHARI RIVER AND KHARICUT CANAL IN GUJARAT.
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Case Study| Nature Based Solutions: A Key to Resilient Infrastructure Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Singapore Decades ago, Singapore channelized the Kallang River into a concrete canal bordered by fences to control stormwater and flooding. This channel served as a symbolic and literal dividing line between the adjacent residential neighborhoods. When the canal needed repairs, the Public Utilities Board (Singapore’s national water agency) faced a choice. They could rebuild the existing concrete channel or consider “naturalizing” the river ‒ restoring the riverbed to its natural floodplain.
Kallang channel along the edge of the park, works were carried out to transform the utilitarian concrete channel into a naturalised river, creating new spaces for the community to enjoy. This project is part of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, a long-term initiative to transform the country’s water bodies beyond their functions of drainage and water supply, into vibrant, new spaces for community bonding and recreation.
2.7 km long straight concrete drainage channel has been restored into a sinuous, natural river 3.2 km long, that meanders through the park
Source : The City Fix
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Master of Urban Infrastructure 2019-21
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, Korea The Cheonggyecheon Canal Project is a part of the ambitious waterway redevelopment effort by the city of Seoul to restore this highly polluted and covered waterway with the demolition of nearly four miles of at grade and elevated highway infrastructure that divided the city. Skeptics warned that highway removal would cause increased traffic congestion. In reality, though, traffic levels have fallen as the result of expanded bus and rail service, restrictions on cars, and higher parking fees. The new canal design includes high levee walls that can accommodate a 100- year flood, protecting surrounding buildings during the monsoon season. In terms of environmental benefits, the seven miles of restored stream has created habitat for numerous species of wildlife.
Seoul peels back concrete to let a stream run freely once again
Source : landscapeperformance.org
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Source : The City Fix
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Master of Urban Infrastructure 2019-21
Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel
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Global Concepts and Good Practices WSUD Principles The essential principles for WSUD application in the context of a water sensitive city are illustrated in the Figure. This figure shows that all elements of the water cycle and their interconnections are considered concurrently to achieve an outcome that sustains a healthy natural environment while meeting human needs, and that planning and design processes are considered at various levels (i.e. towns, cities, places) seeking to achieve the expectations and aspirations from design.
Figure : Components of water sensitive urban design
Source : Flood Resilience in Water Sensitive Cities
WSUD is the integration of urban planning with the management, protection and conservation of the urban water cycle that ensures that urban water management is sensitive to natural hydrological and ecological processes. Conventional urban development has a significant impact on the natural environment by altering the water cycle and conveying stormwater pollution to waterbodies.
Figure : WSUD & Integrated Water Cycle Management
Source : newwaterways.org
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Gowanus Lowlands Draft Masterplan (Stormwater and Sewage) An integrated water management plan, with techniques, design details, capital projects and funding mechanisms to address increased sewage from new development, with the goals of a net zero gain in combined sewage overflow events.
Source : Gowanus Lowlands Master Plan
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Master of Urban Infrastructure 2019-21
Storm water was channelised into Kharicut Canal and residential and industrial units, by making Storm water was channelised into Kharicut Canal illegal breaches/puncture into the wall of the and residential and industrial units, by making canal, dispose of storm water as well as illegal breaches/puncture into the wall of the sewerage drainage canal, dispose of storm water as well as Revivifying Course: Envisioning The City Through An Urban Water Channel sewerage drainage
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Content Analysis Construction Rcc Box Along The Alignment Storm water Of was channelised intoExisting Kharicut Canal Of GotaGodhavi Canal Drain Including and residential and industrial units, byEarthwork, making Remoulding Existing Structure, And illegal breaches/puncture intoInlet the Structure wall of the Percolation Wells. canal, dispose of storm water as well as sewerage drainage
The new project will ensure pure water and an unpolluted city under Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan The new project will ensure pure water and an 2018. unpolluted city under Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan 2018. Intervention to ensure implementation of high court With the advent of urbanization and industrialization, this order to control pollution in GIDC estates in Intervention to ensure implementation of high court place became a hot-spot for garbage and Ahmedabad and clean up the Kharikut canal Major project is work on Gota-Godhavi Canal,accumulation, for which With the advent of urbanization and industrialization, this order to control pollution in GIDC estates in industrial chemical waste accumulation. Rs 15 crore is set aside. sports complexes will and come constructed for the purpose of irrigation place became a hot-spot for Two garbage accumulation, Ahmedabad and clean up the Kharikut canal up atchemical a cost Rswaste 5 crore, one each in east and west areas, industrial accumulation. Article constructed for48-A the purpose of irrigation while Rs 7.88 crore will be spent on parks and gardens.
Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests Article 48-A and wild life. Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests Article 51-A (G) and wild life. It shall be the responsibility of each citizen of India to protect and improve Article 51-A (G)the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to The new project will ensure pure an have compassion for living creatures. It shall be the responsibility of each citizen of Indiawater to protectand and improve theunpolluted natural environment forests, lakes,Sufalam rivers and wild and to city including under Sujalam Jal life, Abhiyan have compassion for living creatures.
2018.
With the advent of urbanization and industrialization, this place became a hot-spot for garbage accumulation, and industrial chemical waste accumulation.
Intervention to ensure implementation of high court order to control pollution in GIDC estates in Ahmedabad and clean up the Kharikut canal constructed for the purpose of irrigation Article 48-A Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life. Article 51-A (G) It shall be the responsibility of each citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.
Sabarmati no longer has any fresh water
whenAlignment it enters Ahmedabad. The riverfront is Construction Of Rcc Box Along The Existing merely a pool of polluted stagnant water; Of Gota- Godhavi Canal Drain Includingdownstream Earthwork, it has been reduced to a channel carrying Remoulding Existing Structure, Inlet Structure And effluents from industries located in Naroda, Odhav Vatva and Narol Percolation Wells. areas besides sewerage from the city.
Development of riverfront and landing a seaplane on Sabarmati are cosmetic exercises. A river is identified by its clean flowing water. In this case a very large number of people are dependent on the river. It is supposed to be the lifeline of the city, but right now it is life threatening with its low oxygen levels.
dhavi Canal, for which complexes will come east and west areas, n parks and gardens. The Mega Pipeline runs through the city and is, according to some, illegally attached to private industrial waste water pipes along the way. The water streams out forcefully into the river 24 hours per day. Source: TOI, DNA, veditum.org, downtoearth.org
Farming further downstream along the riverbed The land area occupied by such farms has shrunk to 220 hectares from 260 hectares and the arrangement between the AMC and the farmers has changed from leasehold to ownership, these farms continue to use wastewater (likely mixed with other toxic pollutants) from the river for farming.
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ABOUT THE STUDIO Infrastructure project studio will focus on Water-Sanitation system. Often the absence of a comprehensive city wide plan and an inadequate understanding or attention to cross-sectoral issues in water and sanitation, results in poor project formulation. This studio focuses on developing integrated infrastructure projects for stormwater, water, sanitation and solid waste management for Ahmedabad city and its immediate periphery. Infrastructure development activities for these sectors whether in the public or private domain, involves plan preparation, project formulation and implementation. This is accompanied by appropriate technical and financial analysis and leads to the selection of feasible projects.
ABOUT THE SECTOR In earlier times, stormwater in the cities had natural pathways to eventually find its way to discharge points or underground. With the rapid urbanisation and development, stormwater has started appearing as a concern and hence requires management. Ahmedabad witnesses problems of waterlogging, flash floods, with minimal groundwater recharge every time it rains. The city assessment was an effort to understand the concerns in detail and there the very origin which is addressed through our study.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Panchal Vivek
Urbanization has adversely affected the natural drainage pattern of the city too, which results in more water-logged areas and periodic flooding. Besides the increased spatial stormwater coverage, the drainage channels experience negative consequences of urbanization, also evident through pollution of stormwater runoff, mixed sewers, and mismanagement of solid waste. As a consequence, the management of urban runoff not only mitigates the presence of natural drains but also reduces the stress on water resources through a sustainable approach. The project thought represents the challenges and opportunities for stormwater management practices along the course of an urban water channel (Kharicut canal) in the age of planning smart cities.
