Mullassery Canal - Subsite DPR by Pankti Sanganee

DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Table of Contents 1. Acknowledgement 2. Executive Summary 3. Chapter 1 : Project Background 1.1 Introduction to the Project 1.2 Objective of the assignment 1.3 Scope of work 1.4 Survey and Investigations 1.5 Feasibility Study 1.6 Detail Design

4. Chapter 2 : City Level Analysis 2.1 Urbanisation in Kochi 2.2 Economic Activities in Kochi 2.3 Housing and Basic Services 2.4 Climate Change Impacts on Kochi 2.5 Hydro-Geography, Flooding

5. Chapter 3 : Recommendations from Past and Existing Projects on the Mullassery Canal 3.1 Esteem Report Recommendation 2004 3.2 Operation Breakthrough Recommendations 2020

6. Chapter 4: Summary - Framework for Mullassery Canal 4.1 Mullassery Canal Framework and Masterplan 4.2 (MENTION THREE SUBSITE - SUBSITE B IS WHAT WE ARE DETAILING)

7. Chapter 5 : Summary - Subsite B Conceptual Masterplan 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Big Moves 5.2.1 Sponge Framework 5.2.2 Mobility Framework 5.2.3 Community Framework 5.3 Subsite B Masterplan 5.4 Subsite B Phasing

8. Chapter 6: Pilot projects 6.1 Identifying Pilot Projects 6.2 Details of Pilot Project 1 - MG Road 6.2.1 Current Scenario 6.2.2 Phase 1 Design Interventions: MG Road 1

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.2.3 Phase 2 Design Interventions: MG Road 6.2.4 Blue Green Infrastructure 6.2.5 Site Programming and Activation 6.3 Details of Pilot Project 2 - KMC Public Park 6.3.1 Current Scenario 6.3.2 Phase 1 Design Interventions: KMC Public Park 6.3.3 Phase 2 Design Interventions: KMC Public Park 6.3.4 Blue Green Infrastructure 6.3.5 Site Programming and Activation

9. Chapter 7: Implementation Strategies 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4

(Timeline) Data Collection Governance Stakeholders Plan (Axon with Stakeholders)

10.Annexures : List of Working Drawings MP-01 Masterplan Subsite B MP-02 Masterplan Subsite B Stormwater Drain Layout P-01 Pilot Project MG Road - Phase 1 Plan P-02 Pilot Project MG Road - Phase 2 Plan P-03 Pilot Project MG Road - Plan - Lighting Layout P-04 Pilot Project MG Road - Detail Plan - Phase 1 P-05 Pilot Project MG Road - Detail Plan - Phase 2 P-06 Pilot Project MG Road - Existing Section P-07 Pilot Project MG Road - Phase 1 Section P-08 Pilot Project MG Road - Phase 2 Section P-09 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Phase 1 Plan P-09 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Phase 2 Plan P-11 Pilot Project Fashion Street - Lighting Plan P-12 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Existing Section P-13 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Phase 1 Section P-14 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Phase 2 Section D-01a Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 01- Raingarden Details D-01b Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 01- Raingarden Details D-01c Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 01- Raingarden Details D-02 Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 02- Check Dam And Deck D-03 Pilot Project- MG Road detail 03- Bike Stand And Shed D-04 Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 04- Furniture Details D-05 Pilot Project KMC Public Park -detail 01 (Constructed Wetland In Silent Park) D-06 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Detail 02 (Constructed Pond In Leisure Park) D-07a Pilot Project -KMC Public Park Detail 03- Event Space(Sunken OAT) D-07b Pilot Project -KMC Public Park Detail 03- Event Space(Sunken OAT) D-07c Pilot Project -KMC Public Park Detail 03- Event Space(Sunken OAT) D-08a Pilot Project -KMC Public Park Detail-04 Furniture 2

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

D-08b Pilot Project- KMC Public Park Detail 05- Furniture, Pavement & Trench D-09a Pilot Project MG Road- Planting Layout D-09b Pilot Projects KMC Public Park- Planting Layout Detailed List Of Planting Species For Pilot Projects

11. List of Figures 12. List of Maps 13. List of Tables

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Acknowledgement

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Executive Summary The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, and GIZ India, are jointly implementing the Sustainable Urban Development - Smart Cities (SUD-SC) project as part of Indo-German Bilateral Technical Cooperation. As part of this process GIZ, India, and Kochi Municipal Corporation are facilitating the creation of a proposal for the Mullassery Canal and the adjoining precinct through a public participation-oriented design project. Mullassery canal has great potential to be an exemplary site for an integrated development framework and could be used as a model to re-imagine Kochi’s fading relationship with water and its flows. Our project leverages Kochi’s natural assets, monsoon culture, and social capital to make the city more resilient, vibrant, and inclusive.

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Chapter 1: Project Background 1.1 Introduction to the Project The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, and GIZ India, are jointly implementing the Sustainable Urban Development - Smart Cities (SUD-SC) project as part of Indo-German Bilateral Technical Cooperation. As part of this process GIZ, India, and Kochi Municipal Corporation are facilitating the creation of a proposal for the Mullassery Canal and the adjoining precinct through a public participation-oriented design project. This is part of the SUD-SC project, which included the conducting of a national level Urban Design Competition (UDC) – Entekochi Competition, 2020. SUD-SC project aims to facilitate the envisioning of an integrated civic project that is of relevance to the city and is based on a participatory exercise embracing existing processes of participation in Kochi. Kochi Municipal Corporation and GIZ India had previously conducted ‘EnteKochi’ in 2019, and it has been all about encouraging citizens to participate in planning the future of Kochi city. Over this period, the initiative has worked closely with the public, encouraging their involvement through interactive public events, neighbourhood level workshops in 6 different locations around Kochi, focus group discussions with persons with disabilities, architecture students and school children. It also created a website (www.entekochi.net) that was connected to an interactive exhibition during which the residents shared their views, voiced their civic concerns and made suggestions for changes to their city. One important theme identified from this exercise was the significance of the city’s water bodies and associated open spaces – also known as the blue-green infrastructure - and their direct impact on the quality of civic life. On analysing the people’s responses, it soon became clear that intervening in this space would help in improving the overall civic quality of Kochi to a maximum. The EnteKochi-Competition, 2020 spotlighted this theme and envisioned an integrated, implementable project that covers multiple sectors and engages diverse stakeholders in the city. The EnteKochi Urban Design Competition (UDC) (https://www.entekochi-competition.org/) was a concrete next step by GIZ to formulate the most appropriate interventions by technically supporting KMC. To make a successful competition that invited participants from all over the country, a specific site suitable to the planned city-level improvements was chosen. The choice of Mullassery Canal followed a process during which several other areas of the city as well as other canals were considered. This decision followed many stakeholder meetings and discussions with the city’s authorities, site visits and consultations with urban experts. After careful consideration, it became clear that this particular site that was central to the city had the potential to allow for strategies and design ideas that could be also applied to other areas in the city. The site faced problems like flooding that affected the city as a whole. It was a strategic site suitable for a national competition even in terms of its central location and connection to many transport hubs - from the boat jetty, to the metro and KSRTC bus - terminal. After the finalization of the site, several neighbourhood level consultations and focus group discussions were organized again to inform the competition process. These provided inputs for the selection of winning concepts as the information had helped the participants in the competition to come up with the most relevant strategies and interventions for the sustainable future of Kochi. The EnteKochi UDC announced 3 winning teams of professionals (architects, landscape architects, urban designers, urban planners, sociologists, geologists) to prepare project reports. These project proposals will add to the rejuvenation of the Mullassery Canal. 6

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

1.2 Objective of the assignment Mullassery canal has great potential to be an exemplary site for an integrated development framework and could be used as a model to re-imagine Kochi’s fading relationship with water. Our project leverages Kochi’s natural assets, monsoon culture, and social capital to make the city more resilient, vibrant, and inclusive. The proposed framework for Subsite B incorporates recommendations from the community and stakeholders, focusing on establishing the canal as a connecting spine between the three mobility hubs of the KSRTC Bus Stand, the MG Road Metro Station, and the Ernakulam Boat Jetty. The Concept Masterplan will ● ●

●

Showcase best practices for canal rejuvenation, bioremediation, and eco-restoration through nature-based solutions (NBS). Address restoration of floodways and water catchment areas to increase the capacity of the canal edge. This will include management of blockages and obstructions to the flow of water by augmenting waste management in the area to ensure a pollution-free canal. Restore the canal edge and bring visibility to the waterway to create an engaging space for its citizens, preventing neglect and apathy. This will innovate on the role of citizens in ownership and maintenance of the canal and its allied public spaces. Integrate the canal into the city’s existing mobility infrastructure by transforming into a connecting spine that focuses on last-mile connectivity through pedestrian and cycle infrastructure along with safety for women and children. Include all stakeholder groups, with a special focus on the needs of persons with disabilities and gender.

The objective of the assignment is to prepare a detailed project report for redesigning the MG Road and KMC Public Park located along the Mullassery Canal. The DPR shall cover all the interventions needed for improvement of XXXX. It should be possible to prepare the tender document based on the interventions proposed in the DPR for implementation in single phase or multiple phases. 1.3 Scope of Work The Detailed Project Report will be informed by the Concept Masterplan for Subsite B, which is guided by the overall Canal Edge Masterplan Framework and Cloudburst Resiliency Framework, common across all deliverables and teams. The Concept Masterplan for Subsite B guides the development of the area, based on inputs from all relevant stakeholders and an initial financing plan for the project. The Masterplan consists of a proposed land use framework that integrates strategies for 1. Socio-ecological renovation and rejuvenation of the canal 2. Integrated water management and flood mitigation 3. Solid and liquid waste management 4. Well-connected and inclusive non-motorised transport systems 5. Integration of street vendors 6. Open public space planning for all users Based on the approved plan, consideration and the needs of society, the cost for the development of the park is to be estimated as a part of the Detailed Project Report. This is good for funding DPR to help Kochi Municipal Corporation (KMC) for gathering funds.

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

1.4 Survey and Investigations The framework was prepared based on real time and historical data of the site, along with recommendations proposed in earlier studies. Table X: Data Analysed No

Data Analysed

Source

Design Application

Flood-prone areas and Stormwater Capacity Data.

Esteem Report

Establishing infrastructural and

Preferred Format: Plan of flooded areas from 2018

Kochi Municipal

ecological baselines for assessing

Kochi floods and list of 100 year, 20 year, and 5 year

Corporation

potential for implementing a

flood elevation level within Mullassery Canal

Cloudburst Resiliency Framework in Subsite B.

Existing stormwater infrastructure network plan

Esteem Report

Assess feasibility of a Cloudburst

including inlet and outlet locations and designed

Resiliency Framework pilot project in

capacity (rainfall/hour) of primary, secondary, and

Subsite B; inform utility design and

tertiary stormwater lines

planning

Standard street section drawings indicating slopes, curb height. the diameters of the stormwater pipes (primary, secondary, tertiary) and sewage lines (primary, secondary, tertiary) as per Kochi Municipality standards

Kochi Municipal Corporation, Survey drawings by contractor

Pilot Project feasibility and design including design of amenities, utilities and blue-green infrastructure in Subsite B

Some data requests submitted by the team were not made available. The lack of data does not limit the team’s ability to make strategic contributions but will impact detail of drawings and need for additional pre-feasibility or feasibility studies. A list of detailed data requests can be found in Chapter 7 - this will be critical to successfully implement the project. No

Data Requests Submitted

Purpose

Detailed survey of Canal including inventory of stormwater and sewage water outfall locations, depth and slope of canal bed

Assessing feasibility of conceptual canal edge sections as part of the Canal Edge Masterplan Framework and Subsite B Masterplan.

Ownership of land along 1.4km stretch of canal and within study area

Land use and open space

Preferred Format: Plan with ownership data of study area

planning framework for canal edge

Acceptable Formats: List of parcels that are publicly owned or managed within study area

masterplan and Subsite B. identification of stakeholders for pilot project feasibility

List of Planned or Proposed infrastructure projects within and around

Utility design and planning;

study area including stormwater, sewage, and road up-gradation or

integration of canal edge

expansion

masterplan and Subsite B masterplan themes into existing context

Depth to Water Table and Geology

Formulating strategies to capture and delay water and prevent

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Preferred Format: Map with water table spot elevations, soil

saltwater intrusion as part of the

characteristics, and bedrock geology within study area

Cloudburst Resiliency Framework and Subsite B Masterplan.

Existing sewage infrastructure network plan including treatment and outlet locations

Utility design and planning; detail design for a potential MG Road Pilot project in Subsite B

1.5 Feasibility Study 1.5.1 Stakeholder meetings The consultant teams visited Kochi from the 27th of January till the 30th of January, and met with the following list of stakeholders: 1.

Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Kochi - He recommended that the teams present a version of the Mullassery Canal Precinct plan to the High Court as an alternative proposal for flood mitigation. 2. Meeting with KMC Engineers - The teams presented the Sponge Framework and blue-green infrastructure concepts to the KMC Engineers. They mentioned that most of the flooding during the 2018 floods in Kochi occurred to the north and south, and the Mullassery Canal area generally does not get flooded except for localised waterlogging during heavy rains. They questioned the possibility of changing the road chamber as all roads are designed as per IRC standards. 3. Meeting with Small Scale Merchants Association President The Vendor’s association is willing to relocate to daylight the canal at Fashion street. There are now 72 vendors in total. 4. Meeting with Kudumbashree - Teams 01 & 02 presented the concepts for reconfiguring waste management process and also leveraging existing Kudumbashree system for canal maintenance and other operations. The members of Kudumbashree shared the waste collection process and the experiences / learning so far. 1.5.2 Observations leading to design At the preliminary stakeholder meeting on 07.12.2020, it was implied that government stakeholders were unfamiliar with a nature-based solutions (NBS) approach to infrastructure, which is at the core of the ecological systems approach to the design of open spaces and parks in Subsite B. Assumptions: (based on limited data) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Saturated with shallow Groundwater level +2.00m Coastal Clay soil Flat terrain with average elevation +6.0 AMSL Low-Rise dense development Main M.G.Road sits in the valley between two ridges Railway lines form a ridge and thus prevent flow into the wetlands on the east Most of the canal covered or built upon, thus limited space for daylighting or for canal widening

Conclusion: Based on canal site conditions and limitations: it is optimal to increase the water holding and run-off capacity of the region around the canal through blue-green interventions, than 9

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

investing heavily in new grey infrastructure 1.5.3 Preparing a design methodology Based on the data, the team identified the issues and opportunities and generated a framework within which the pilot projects were developed. 1.6 Detailed Design The transformation of MG Road and the KMC Public Park is proposed through two pilot projects, which will showcase the benefits of Nature Based Solutions (NBS), pedestrian-priority mobility strategies, and community-led interventions. The key components of the pilot projects are as follows Pilot 1: Redesigning the sidewalk and medians for 100m of MG Road to create a boulevard. The design stretches alongside the PWD park south of the A.K.Seshadri Road & MG Road intersection until the Maharaja College Metro station. List of Interventions: 1. Graded Rain gardens and Decks - The rain gardens are built as a pilot to test the viability of delaying stormwater runoff from Maharaja College Ground and the sidewalk. 2. Median Rain gardens, Rain garden Strips - The medians and footpaths are upgraded to accommodate rain gardens that collect and filter stormwater runoff. The rain gardens consist of local plant species - these slow down the movement of stormwater, remove pollutants, and allow water to infiltrate into the soil below. 3. Vendor Plaza - Vendors have an important role to play in street design - they make the street vibrant, they draw pedestrians, they improve the local economy. The vendor plaza is designed with adequate seating to create a social space for the people. 4. Dedicated Bike Lanes - This is provided on both sides of the street, along the footpath to facilitate continuous movement of cyclists and to protect them from speeding motor vehicles. Supporting infrastructure includes bike-sharing facilities and cycle parking. 5. Waste recycling and segregation bins - As part of an integrated waste management strategy, segregation bins are placed along the street at regular intervals. 6. Street Lighting - Adequate street lighting is provided along the entire stretch to make the street safer at night. This is critical to improve women’s and children’s safety on the street and to reduce risk of harassment. 7. Pavilion - An exhibition/community pavilion is added to conduct events for knowledge sharing or entertainment. This becomes a pause point for daily commuters and passerbys. 8. Treepits - Trees are planted along the street in special treepits, which mitigate flooding by absorbing stormwater through several layers of soil. They also help to nurture saplings until they grow into trees. 9. Upgraded Storm Water Drains - The stormwater drain is upgraded to increase capacity and has collection chambers that filter the runoff water carrying dirt and debris before it enters the drain. 10. Redesigning Carriageway widths - The road space is redesigned to prioritise all users of the street, especially pedestrians and cyclists. The carriageway is optimised to a width of 6.25m on each side; more space is allocated for footpaths and cycle lanes.

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Pilot 2: Regrading the KMC Park into an open public park by programming the space between PT Usha Road and A.K.Seshadri Road & MG Road intersection. The project includes daylighting the canal along this stretch and transforming A.K.Seshadri Road into a shared street. List of Interventions: 1. KMC Public Park - The existing underutilised Park is upgraded to act as local sponge spaces. A network of graded open spaces are proposed: Silent Park (Constructed Wetlands), Event Space (Sunken OAT), and Leisure Park ( Constructed Wetlands). This network slows down the runoff before it eventually ends up in the daylit Mullassery Canal. In the event of extreme cloudburst during high tide that leads to the canal flooding, the system of open spaces is designed to accommodate this overflow instead of flowing directly into the streets. 2. Utility Space - During Phase 1 of the Pilot transformation, the area near the intersection can be used to store and manage construction material, utilities, and spaces required for workers. 3. Woonerf - Woonerfs are shared streets that slow down motor vehicles, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to use the street. In this stretch, the woonerf allows people to spend more time on the street and interact with the canal, thus making the space more vibrant. 4. Daylighting Canal - The canal is opened up by removing the slabs that currently cover it. Daylighting the canal will increase oxygen penetration, reduce the dense growth of phytoplanktons that currently coat the canal, and enable visual and physical access. 5. Kids Play Area, Sunken Skating Rink, Public Toilets - In Phase 2, the area near the intersection of MG Road and AK Seshadri Road is transformed into a public realm. It consists of playscapes and public amenities, which will activate the street. 6. MG Road Intersection Plaza - The intersection between MG Road and AK Seshadri Road is redesigned as an extension of the Woonerf. A raised intersection with colourful crosswalk art slows down the speed of motor vehicles, alerts all road users, and makes it safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross.

Chapter 2 : City Level Analysis 2.1 Urbanisation in Kochi Kochi’s urbanity is linked organically to its status as a global trade centre which establishes its modern foundations bringing in new ideas, technologies and human resources from inland regions and international destinations. It made Ernakulam the most urbanized district in the state. Its urban population (2,119,724)1 and the percentage of urban to total district population (68.07 %)2 makes its demographic officially qualify under national urban policy frameworks and this is one among many reasons why it is a part of the country’s flagship Smart Cities Mission. Kochi is an intrinsic part of Kerala’s extensive water-ways. The region is an urban system which has high connectivity in terms of transport and trade - at global, regional and local levels. Its population is constantly on the move, and its migration flows to global centres bringing back capital, skills and resources all the time. It is important to recognize its urbanity. Its rich ecological landscape is an expression of a history of active engagement with economic activities and trading routes, infused by an old, global cosmopolitanism. The Corporation of Kochi combines the erstwhile municipal areas of Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Ernakulam and a few settlements adjoining Ernakulam. Demographic growth expanded the boundaries of the city mainly along the road traffic corridors. Today the Kochi water metro is making up for decades of marginalizing the historical river and back-water based mobility that characterised it in the past. This 11

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

marginalization produced a mostly unplanned urban sprawl, stressing surrounding panchayats with increased construction activities and a continued inadequacy of its civic infrastructure. 2.2 Economic Activities in Kochi The city is the state’s economic powerhouse with more than 60 percent3 of state tax revenue coming from Kochi. Its industrial, port-based activities, international and domestic airport and national train stations contribute to its economic dynamism making it one of the most attractive investment destinations. It became an important IT hub after 2004. However, all this has not been accompanied by appropriate infrastructure development, and one that is in sync with the ecology and history of the city-region. According to the municipal corporation4, the city needs to further strengthen support systems to help core sectors like trade, information technology, port related activities, tourism services, hospitality, banking and financial services and offsite services for the Middle East - North Africa region. The aim is to encourage transit-oriented development along select multi-modal nodes and corridors. The corporation also feels it is important to do this by supplementing local economies and improving livelihood through involvement of local businesses and residents in the development of the areas. 2.3 Housing and Basic Services According to the 2011 census 9,10,2005 households are located in the city-region. The panchayat level statistics indicate 3,83,6006 households. In spite of these figures there is a shortage of housing that is expressed in crowded tenements, shared rooms by migrant labour and the growth of slums. About 31 percent7 of the total population within the KMC region lives below the poverty line, out of which 1,27,8728 people are said to be residing in slums. The coastal areas, with a majority of fishing communities, dominate the poverty data. 2.4 Climate Change – Impacts on Kochi India’s coastline is increasingly becoming vulnerable to climate change. Over the years, the changing climate has resulted in catastrophic events. Extreme climate change events such as floods, uneven rainfall and storm surges are becoming common around several coasts. These environmental changes will impede the social, cultural and economic patterns of the coasts. Moreover, partly inefficient disaster management and lack of mitigation and adaptation plans escalate the vulnerability of coastal communities. Coastal cities need to adopt an urban planning approach that can cope with the uncertainties of our times. Kochi is part of the urban coastal cities network with over 1 million population on the coast. According to a study led by Cochin University of Science and technology (CUSAT) in 2003, the major effects of climate change are characterised by: ● Intense precipitation associated with more variability in seasonal and average increase in total volume. ● Gradual sea-level rise, combined with coastal land submergence, could be up to 30 - 50 cms in the next 30 years. ● Temperatures are likely to rise; combined with increased rainfall this could increase humidity level excessively at certain times of the year. ● Greater risk of flooding due to intense periods of rainfall. In such a scenario, Kochi will have to find innovative solutions to protect its coastline while finding ways to incorporate its canals and backwaters within safe, reliable structures.

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

2.5 Hydro-Geography, Flooding Kochi city is embedded in the Cochin metropolitan region which has been historically and geomorphologically shaped by its waterways and wetlands linked to the Vembanad estuary. The peculiar geographical character of Kerala and Kochi have for long created a unique relationship between its people and the waters; much of which were created and managed to allow easy drainage of internal waterways to the sea as well as network, transport and communication. For centuries, the economic dependency developed a healthy relationship between the people of Kochi and the surrounding water bodies. Water was an integral part of the city‘s development. However, the course of urbanisation in the last two decades has disregarded the historical water systems as human dependency on them started to deteriorate. Developed linearly along major road networks, the city has largely ignored varying ecologically sensitive landscapes including the cultural canalscape. Furthermore, substantial portions of wetlands, paddy fields, eco-sensitive coastal zones and forests were appropriated in the past for the urbanising needs of the growing city-region. This continued disregard for the floodplains and flood-waterways has left the city unprepared for the natural tendency of waters to expand and contract over the seasons, giving rise to floods and similar events that have resulted in immense loss of life and property. Increasing instances of urban water logging due to less effective stormwater drainage systems and global climate change have posed peculiar challenges for Kochi’s citizens. The Kochi metropolitan area is home to an estimated 3 million people who inherit a unique cultural and environmental legacy characterized by the calm backwaters, networked canals, and rich biodiversity. The city spans a low-lying monsoonal estuary that is soaked by rainfall. Water is integral to Kochi’s unique identity, but climate change and unsustainable patterns of urbanisation threaten the balance between nature and society, land, and water. Urbanization and growth of the urban population point towards the change in the occupational pattern of the community, which has been from agriculture and allied means of livelihood to industrial and other non-agricultural occupations. The central, state, and city governments are conceptualising various programs and projects to uplift the status of livelihood in the city and also build a robust infrastructural framework for strengthening resilience against climate change. Over the last couple decades, Kochi and its adjoining areas have seen tremendous growth at the expense of its lush green cover and the concretisation of its natural waterways (Figure 2). Canals that once linked waterways are concreted over, compromised by grey infrastructure, polluted or clogged by waste. This has left Kochi more vulnerable to the present and future impacts of climate change. As Kochi’s metropolitan population continues to grow at a rate of about 4% every year, the city and other urban centres in Kerala need to consider land and water-sensitive development paradigms that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report predicts higher occurrences of extreme rainfall events due to climate change. According to the Fifth Assessment Report, it is very likely that there is an increase in frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events in wet tropical regions. One such example of an extreme rainfall event is the one that occurred in Kerala in August 2018, where the rainfall for the week of 9th August to 15th August was 155% over the average9. This extreme rainfall event overwhelmed transport and power infrastructure in the state resulting in waterlogging, loss of life, and lasting damage to property and livelihoods. Kochi already faces intermittent patterns of rainfall and the past monsoons on record have witnessed unusually intense cloudbursts that brought the city to a 13

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

standstill. Cloudbursts bring a high-intensity of rainfall over a short duration. In 2018, Kochi experienced historic levels of flooding as more than 230 mm of rainfall fell within a period of 24 hours. Kochi is therefore likely to experience increased annual precipitation and increased recurrence of cloudburst events (Figure 3).

Fig 1: Kochi’s urbanisation has rapidly expanded into surrounding forests or farmlands turning porous land cover into impervious roof and asphalt; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

The city’s aging stormwater infrastructure and concretised canals are not designed to handle extreme events. The change in Kochi’s land cover leads the grey infrastructure network to often fail under moderate rainfall during the monsoons. Kochi’s stormwater capacity was designed for a landscape that has over time changed dramatically; green cover was replaced by built-up area and tree canopy within urban areas decreased. Simultaneously, with an increase in the likelihood of flooding due to extreme rainfall events, there is the potential for an increase in drought-incidence due to irregular rainfall and insufficient groundwater infiltration which points to the likelihood of permanent changes in the hydrological cycle. In the event of an extreme rainfall event such as the one that occurred in 2018, the existing water channels and reservoirs have proved unable to contain the deluge. As illustrated in Figure 4, the current development paradigm has resulted in a decrease in natural groundcover, resulting in less infiltration, concurrent with an increase in the likelihood of extreme rainfall. Both these factors taken together constitute an increased vulnerability to flooding due to extreme rainfall events, and thus poses a serious risk to the future development of Kochi.

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Fig 2: Climate change is likely to increase the rainfall range and extreme rainfall events including cloudbursts like the one witnessed by Kochi in 2018; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

Figure 3: When natural ground cover over permeable soil is replaced completely by impervious built-up area, runoff can increase by more than five times. Historic stormwater networks were not designed to handle this excess runoff; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

This document offers a number of urban development and infrastructural design alternatives that address risks faced by Kochi around the issue of water. During cloudbursts or excessive rainfall, water can be managed within the urban fabric to slow down, stay, and replenish the aquifer when possible. Using the grey stormwater infrastructure to flush water away as quickly as possible is a wasted opportunity and aggravates flooding. A circular, landscape approach to urban water and land management can help Kochi mitigate the following risks: Increased flooding: The increase in impervious ground cover due to development generates more a. runoff after rainfall events. This generates peak runoff with very little lag time, i.e., the amount of time rainfall takes to end up in the stormwater conveyance channels, and overwhelms the stormwater system and canals. In traditional stormwater management, this runoff is quickly conveyed towards the backwaters or sea. The rush to flush away water increases flood risk while stressing the canals and reducing the potential for aquifer recharge. Increased water contamination: Lapses in solid waste management and unregulated sewage b. outfalls into waterways contaminate surface and subsurface water systems. Periyar and Muvattupuzha rivers as well as the aquifer are the main sources of drinking water that are threatened by the waste loop. Collection of solid waste debris and silt also compromises the efficacy of the stormwater system. Increased aquifer depletion: Over-extraction of groundwater along with zero groundwater c. infiltration, results in depleting the groundwater levels. This induces saltwater intrusion along the coast and seeps deeper into the region. This renders most of the present groundwater wells redundant and can induce drinking water scarcity during years of weak monsoon or extended droughts. Increased coastal erosion: Ernakulam and Kollam districts are placed second in position for coastal d. erosion among other coasts of Kerala. Climate change will increase the intensity of storm surges that further wash away coastal soil. Due to climate change and frequent storm surges most of the soil gets eroded. The construction of seawalls hastens coastal erosion as they amplify wave dynamics towards unwalled edges and prevent sediments from aggregating on coastlines.

Figure 4: From Linear Model of Water Wastage, Extraction and Pollution to Circular Model of Water Management, Recharge, and Regeneration ; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

There is, therefore, a need for a change in approach when dealing with extreme rainfall events at all levels of policy and governance, particularly one that is focused on adaptation and resilience. There is a broad scientific consensus for the government to take action towards risk mitigation and climate change adaptation within the specific context of Kochi. We offer a landscape based strategy called a Sponge Framework to build Kochi’s urban resilience by holistically managing water as a resource and investing in blue-green infrastructure to supplement grey infrastructure.

Chapter 3 : Recommendations on the Mullassery Canal from past and existing projects In order to address the issues outlined, there have been a number of engineering-focused flood mitigation efforts in the Mullassery Canal precinct, beginning with the Esteem Report in 2004 and culminating with Phase 1 and Phase II of Operation Breakthrough in 2020 in the aftermath of the Kerala floods of 2018 caused by an extreme rainfall event. 3.1 Esteem Report Recommendation - 2004 ● To avoid flooding in MG Road, a new west flowing drain is proposed from Chitoor road across MG road at Padma Junction and discharging into Market Basin Canal. ● To avoid water logging in KSRTC bus stand, Karikkamuri neighbourhood, the canal is proposed to have a uniform width of 3 m from KSRTC premises up to the point where the canal is having 4 m at present. ● To relieve the pressure in Karikkamuri area, another west flowing drain is proposed along Hospital road cutting across MG road from Chitoor road. ● For effective discharge at all times the invert level has to be kept above the high tide level of +0.44 during rainy months. 3.2 Operation Breakthrough Recommendations – 2020 The Operation Breakthrough progress report 202010 observes that under an AMRUT scheme, the bed of the Mullassery canal was concreted and raised by 2.5m for a length of 400m so that it was at a higher level than the Thevara-Perandoor canal into which it drains. Prior to the concreting of the canal bed, the canal depth was at 4m depth. The report states that as a result of the concreting of the canal bed, the KSRTC bus stand and South Railway station began to see waterlogging during normal rainfall due to a reduction in the carrying capacity of the canal. Operation Breakthrough was implemented in the aftermath of the 2018 flooding in two phases. ● In phase 1, the drains of the city were renovated to avoid flooding for a budget of Rs 10 crore. ● In phase 2, the mouths of canals were desilted and cleared of obstruction, including the Mullassery Canal. Increasing the carrying capacity of the canal will go some way towards reducing waterlogging in the case of a normal rainfall event. However, the issues of desilting and canal maintenance is not a long-term solution11. Plastic waste and illegal sewage connections into canals also add to the problem of obstructions in the carrying capacity of the canal which require long-term and ongoing action under a unified framework.

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Chapter 4 : Summary:Framework for Mullassery Canal Precinct

Figure 12: An integrated approach for the Framework using toolkits of ADAPT+CONNECT+EMPOWER (Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative)

The Mullassery canal framework consists of three approaches: Adapt - Sponge Framework, ConnectIntegrated Mobility Framework and Empower - Community Framework. ADAPT mainstreams Nature-based Solutions through the Sponge Framework that leverage the landscape to re-establish the linkages between urban greenery, monsoons, water bodies and the aquifer. CONNECT describes an integrated mobility framework that includes redesign of the public realm and mobility systems to improve access to transit, lively places, and safe spaces. EMPOWER outlines a community framework that lays out how citizens can participate in the improvement of their neighbourhoods and build inclusive communities by facilitating the formation of social networks. The implementation of these strategies moves Kochi towards integrated climate-proofing. This approach is an effective way to integrate multiple systems within site-specific interventions. In the subsite master plans and pilot projects we showcase how the ADAPT+CONNECT+EMPOWER framework can be successfully implemented to reinforce each other and create multiple co-benefits at the level of a site intervention. Mullassery Canal is a strategic ecological spine linking the wetlands at the confluence of the Perandoor Canal to the Marine Drive waterfront. The ADAPT principles are used to make surgical interventions such as parklets, infrastructural moves like daylighting and canal bed naturalisation, and strategic moves like opening up public spaces to a naturalised edge. It also provides a template for transforming existing streets into green infrastructure and open spaces into multi-functional, floodable landscapes. We propose a network of green streets and open spaces that slows down runoff. During cloudbursts or excessive rainfall, water can be managed within the urban fabric to slow down, stay, and replenish the aquifer when possible. Using the gray stormwater infrastructure to flush water away as quickly as possible is a wasted opportunity and aggravates flooding.\We recognize Kochi’s unique groves as natural assets and strengthen them as community resources. Community groves empower residents to sustainably manage and monitor natural resources like trees, rainwater, and groundwater. Green linkages between community groves weave into organic neighborhoods and informal settlements to improve residents’ health and well-being. Sited between the KSRTC bus stop, Mahatma Gandhi Metro station, and the ferry connection to Fort Kochi, the canal edge is transformed into a continuous walkway and bike path. The CONNECT principles create a network of pedestrian-friendly arterial roads, neighbourhood streets, and open spaces of which the Mullassery bikeway becomes a centrepiece. This bikeway connects to a proposed waterfront trail along 18

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Marine Drive linking Subhash Bose Park to the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. These connections make the area an ideal site to pilot Kochi’s bike-sharing programme. The collective strategies ensure last-mile connectivity to important transit nodes and safe access to new vibrant open spaces. This network is further activated by a set of cultural and tourism trails that renew heritage sites like the Jewish Cemetery and connect to proposed public spaces. We understand solid waste management along the canal as a proxy for several civic issues. Through the EMPOWER principles, we have addressed ways to mobilise communities to push back against the problems that plague the canal in its current form. In order to build up trust and social capital amongst various stakeholders, we propose design strategies and spaces that allow different groups to deepen their social ties and networks, and bring about a greater sense of community. The primary purpose of the community-centric toolkit is: to inform and engage all stakeholders, collaborate with stakeholders to formulate community-led solutions, and provide instrumental support in the form of funding, agency and capacity building. Each of these strategies play out at three scales: the household, neighbourhood, and city scale to create lasting systemic change. 4.1 Pilot Projects The canal precinct has been divided into 3 subsites: Subsite A stretching from the KSRTC bus stand till MG Road, Subsite B stretching from MG road till the western edge of Maharaja’s College Ground, and Subsite C from Karunakaran Lane till the mouth of the canal in the west.

Figure x - Mullassery Canal Precinct Masterplan showing the various subsites (Image Credit - EnteKochi brief)

Pilot projects for each of these stretches have been identified as follows: 1. Subsite A a. Pilot 1: Community centre at KSRTC campus b. Pilot 2: Community grove c. Pilot 3: Parklets along the canal in Karikkamuri neighbourhood 2. Subsite B a. Pilot 1: MG Road and PWD Park b. Pilot 2: KMC Park c. Pilot 3: MG Road Metro Plaza 19

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

3. Subsite C a. Pilot 1: Lt Karunakaran Lane - Reimagining the street segment as Walk- & Cycle- only public space b. Pilot 2: KMC waste management facility land - Public plaza with community facilities c. Pilot 3: Padikathukulam West Colony - Service enhancement + Placemaking

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Chapter 5: Summary - Subsite B Conceptual Masterplan 5.1 Introduction The Subsite B is located at the most crucial junction of MG road, and connects to the following major mobility hubs - KSRTC Bus Stand to the east, Maharaja’s College Metro Station to the south, and Ernakulam Boat Jetty to the west and MG Road Metro Station to the North. Subsite B is bounded on the north by A.K. Seshadri Road, on the east by MG Road, on the South by the Hospital road, and the west by TD Road. This document details the Subsite B Masterplan and showcases two pilot projects along MG Road and A.K. Seshadri Road that integrates the sponge strategies, mobility and solid waste management strategies as an essential lynchpin to create phase wise implementable projects. Because of the strategic location of this project, it will promote high-visibility and can help catalyse similar projects across the city to demonstrate an integrated development model along the MG Road Stretch.

Fig. 1, Subsite B extent drawn over the Mullassery Canal Precinct Area; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

The Subsite B is located over the covered Mullassery Canal stretch between MG Road and PT Usha Road, and stretches south along the arterial road (MG Road) uptil the Maharaja’s College Metro station. Currently, Subsite B faces heavy flooding and waterlogging during the monsoon season. This has been highlighted as an urgent issue by the government and the community stakeholders. The existing street condition has damaged sidewalks and lack of accessible public spaces. Along the A.K.Seshadri Rd, the canal is covered by concrete slabs and the bed has been concretised leading to depletion of water quality and neglect towards water management. The Fashion Street Vendors are established directly over this covered canal stretch. Between the Fashion Street Vendors and the Maharaja ground is a KMC park with under utilised sports facilities such as cricket pitch, badminton court and an abandoned children's playground. The PWD park continues along the MG Road stretch, at a raised elevation and is currently not in use. At the intersection of MG Road and A.K.Seshadri Rd is the enclosed compound of the Sewage Pump station building and the office. To the southwest of the site, lies the Maharaja’s College Men’s hostel, and to the south the Maharaja’s College hockey ground and basketball court. The Maharaja’s College Metro station is an important transit hub which is the southern boundary of the subsite extent.

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Fig. 2, Subsite B Existing Site Conditions; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

5.2 Big Moves 5.2.1 Sponge Framework Within the subsite, there is a lot of potential to demonstrate the sponge framework as determined by the ‘FRAMEWORK FOR THE MULLASSERY CANAL PRECINCT’ document. The sponge framework creates a hierarchy of cloudburst-resilient streets and open spaces through a toolkit of blue-green infrastructures. The framework determines streets such as MG Road and Hospital Road to be Cloudburst + Sponge street and A.K. Seshadri Road as Sponge Green street; while open spaces programmed along the PWD Park and KMC Public Park are categorised as Local Sponge Spaces and the sunken courts and open spaces in the metro plaza to the south of the Maharaja’s College Ground are programmed as Central Sponge Spaces. The Cloudburst + Sponge street is provided with rain gardens and tree pits that are integrated with the stormwater drain which connects to the local sponge landscapes. The Sponge Green street is paved with permeable materials to allow infiltration along the Mullasserry canal.

Fig. 9, Sponge Framework - Big Moves; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

5.2.2 Mobility Framework The Mobility framework proposes a continuous network of bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways along the MG Road, A.K Seshadri Road and Hospital Road. Upgraded pedestrian sidewalks and dedicated bicycle lanes on MG Road connects Maharaja College Metro Station to the MG Road Metro Station. The proposed well-lit, active and open public spaces create a safe and vibrant streetscape along MG Road and A.K Seshadri Road. The woonerf or shared street connects KSRTC bus stop in the east to the Boat Jetty in the west for prioritizing cyclists and pedestrians. The character of these shared streets transforms along the Mullassery canal based on available street widths. A one way loop is proposed along the Mullassery Canal Road/A.K. Seshadri road and Amman Koil Road/Narakathara Road to prioritize non-motorised transport along the Mullassery Canal edge. Daylighting the canal will help in promoting pedestrian and bicycle movement enabling last mile connectivity along the canal. A pedestrian crossing is proposed at the MG road intersection to enable pedestrian movement. A vendor Plaza along the MG Road and the proposed metro plaza at the east of the Maharaja’s College Metro Station promotes sustainable livelihoods along the arterial roads making it active and engaging.

Fig. 10, Mobility Framework - Big Moves; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

5.2.3 Community Framework The community framework aims to empower local communities living along the Mullassery canal to create inclusive neighborhoods. The people centric street design puts the community in the forefront and provides for spaces of recreation, engagement and knowledge sharing. Along MG road, as people walk from the Maharaja’s College Metro Station to the Mullassery Canal there are a series of decks, pavilions for community events and exhibitions, designated vendor plazas and seaters to sustain livelihood and create an active public realm. Along the Mullassery Canal, north of the Maharaja College Ground is the proposed KMC Public Park with public toilets, sunken OAT (event space), kids play area, pollinator gardens etc. To the east of the Maharaja’s College Metro Station is a proposed park with a sunken plaza, basketball court, tennis court and cricket pitch. Adequate seating and break out spaces are provided along these open public spaces and parks. The design is universally accessible and inclusive across all age groups living in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Fig. 11, Community Framework - Big Moves; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

5.3 Subsite B Masterplan

Fig 12. Subsite B Masterplan; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

5.3 Subsite B Phasing The Masterplan phasing strategy is based on data availability and the importance of incremental design development for ease in implementation over a period of time. Phase 1 : 1. MG Road - Annexing the PWD Park to widen the sidewalk to provide dedicated bicycle lanes and rain gardens with decks. The sidewalk upgrade is proposed on either side of the road. Towards the intersection is the plaza space for informal vendors. The bicycle lane continues from Maharaja College Metro station to the MG Road Metro Station. 2. KMC Public Park - Regrade existing park to provide constructed wetlands, pollinator parks and sunken OAT (event spaces) in Phase 1. The rain gardens from MG Road are connected to the constructed wetlands through trenches. The constructed wetlands have an overflow pipe connected to the existing drains on PT Usha Road and MG Road. 3. Metro Plaza - Procure the land to the east of Metro Plaza for future development.

Fig. 19, Subsite B - Phase 1 Interventions; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 2 : 4. MG Road - Provide tree pits along the sidewalk that are integrated with the stormwater drains to delay water runoff. Increase the capacity of existing stormwater drains by increasing the depth of the drains. Provide pavilions for community events and exhibitions on the MG Road. 5. KMC Public Park - Relocate the Fashion street vendors to daylight the canal. This creates access for KMC Public Park from the A.K.Seshadri Rd. Provide more activities in the park such as Kids play area, skating rink and public toilets. Connect the overflows from constructed wetlands and rain gardens to the Mullassery Canal. 6. Metro Plaza - Prepare Metro Plaza site for future development. Extend sidewalk design from MG Road along with tree pits and stormwater drain towards Hospital Road. The water moving south of the MG Road is collected in the stormwater drain proposed along the hospital road through the Metro Plaza and the sidewalk.

Fig. 20, Subsite B - Phase 2 Interventions; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 3 : 7. Metro Plaza - Redesign the acquired land near the Metro station with activities such as Sunken Basketball Court, Sunken Tennis Court, Relocated Cricket Pitch from the KMC Public Park. Also, provide open spaces, meadows, seaters and sunken plaza for usage by daily commuters. Connect the rain gardens on MG Road to the sunken courts and open spaces to help delay water in a central sponge landscape before connecting it to the upgraded stormwater drain along the Hospital Road. The sidewalk on MG Road extends on the south to connect to the Metro Plaza. The Phase 3 is the final stage for the Subsite B Masterplan and the upgraded street design can set a precedent for other such redevelopment projects along the entire stretch of MG Road. The bicycle lanes can be incorporated along the entire stretch of the MG Road.

Fig. 21, Subsite B - Phase 3 Interventions; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Chapter 6: Pilot Projects 6.1 Identifying Pilot Projects There are two pilot projects that we have identified within the Subsite B masterplan that have been detailed in this document. One potential future project is identified that is part of the overall masterplan and can be included in the future potential scope of work. Pilot 1: Redesigning the sidewalk and medians for 100m of the MG Road stretch alongside the PWD park south of the A.K.Seshadri Road & MG Road intersection until the Maharaja College Metro station to create a boulevard. Pilot 2: Regrading and programming the KMC Park from PT Usha Road till the A.K.Seshadri Road & MG Road intersection as an open public park. Daylighting the canal along this stretch and transforming A.K.Seshadri Road into a woonerf.

Fig. 22, Identifying the Pilot Projects in Subsite B; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.2 Details of Pilot Project 1 - MG Road 6.2.1 Current Scenario The MG Road stretch within the extents of the pilot project has the following infrastructure and programs; Pedestrian Infrastructure: The sidewalks on either side of the MG Road are uneven, damaged and poorly lit with exposed electrical lines running over them. The electrical posts are situated over the sidewalks making them unsafe for pedestrians. The average width of the sidewalk ranges from 1.2m-1.5m Land use: MG Road is one of the major arterial roads for the city with high commercial activity. The buildings across the street from the PWD park are mostly commercial. Right of way and Medians: The MG Road Right of Way is approx 21m wide. The carriageway currently has two lanes in either direction. The Metro line runs over the road and median planters are provided between these metro pillars. The medians are poorly maintained except for the ones below the metro station. PWD Park: The PWD park is currently raised to 0.75m height and fenced off from the MG road sidewalk; this results in water stagnation on MG road instead of draining into the surrounding green open spaces. The park is currently unused and not open to the public. It is separated from the Maharaja’s College Ground by a wire mesh fence. Stormwater Drains: There are currently two stormwater drains on either side of MG Road covered with concrete slabs. The sidewalk sits directly on top of these drains. There are collection chambers situated equidistantly all along the MG Road in this stretch which is connected to the stormwater drain.

Fig 23, Pilot Project 1 - MG Road, Current Scenario - Plan; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Fig 23, Pilot Project 1 - MG Road, Current Scenario - Section; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

Fig. 4 , Flooding and waterlogging on MG Road; Source : A Sanesh, EP

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Fig. 5, Lack of sufficient Pedestrian infrastructure; Source: Unknown

Fig. 6 , Damages and waterlogging on Sidewalk ; Source : Unknown

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.2.2 Phase 1 Design Interventions : MG Road Annexing the 13m wide PWD Park into the right of way along the MG Road to create a boulevard for pedestrian activities, green buffer, rain garden and dedicated bicycle lanes. Bike share is located near the metro station. While redesigning the sidewalk the existing carriageway width remains the same. The existing medians are upgraded to median rain gardens that allow for water infiltration. The design incorporates street furniture, decks, waste disposal bins, designated vendor plazas and other amenities to enhance the pedestrian experience for everyday commuters. Adequate street lighting and other safety measures to prioritize women and pedestrian safety. List of Interventions: 11. Graded Rain gardens and Decks 12. Median Rain gardens 13. Rain garden Strips 14. Vendor Plaza 15. Dedicated Bike Lanes 16. Waste recycling and segregation bins 17. Street Lighting

Fig 24, Phase 1 Design Interventions - MG Road; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 1 : Street Section

Fig 25, Street Section showing Phase 1 Design Interventions - MG Road; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

Phase 1 : Landscape Strategies Based on the sponge framework some of the key landscape elements in the Phase 1 : MG Road Pilot Project are continuous strips of Graded rain gardens, Median rain gardens between the metro columns and strips of Rain garden strips.

Fig 26, Phase 1 Landscape Strategies - MG Road; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 1 : Mobility Strategies Based on the mobility framework, some of the key elements in Phase 1 are: MG Road Pilot Project widening and upgrading the sidewalk, providing a dedicated bicycle lane width of 1.5m-2m on either side of the road and 1 nos bike share.

Fig 27, Phase 1 Mobility Strategies - MG Road; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

Phase 1 : Community Strategies Based on the community framework, some of the key amenities in the Phase 1 : MG Road Pilot Project are 10 nos seaters on sidewalk, 10 nos of seaters over the deck , 6nos waste disposal bins and adequate street lighting (placed at every 10m) for the safety and comfort of pedestrians.

Fig 28, Phase 1 Community Strategies - MG Road; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.2.3 Phase 2 Design Interventions : MG Road In the Phase 2, the sidewalk is provided with tree pits placed equidistantly along the entire MG Road stretch. These tree pits are connected to the enhanced storm water drain to store and delay water runoff. The stormwater drain is upgraded to increase capacity and has collection chambers that filter the run off water carrying dirt and debris before it enters the drain. The carriageways are adjusted to a width of 6.25m with two lanes on either side of the median to accommodate the upgraded storm water drain. An exhibition/community pavilion is added to conduct events for knowledge sharing or entertainment. This becomes a pause point for daily commuters and passerbys. List of Interventions: 1. Pavilion 2. Treepits 3. Upgraded Storm Water Drains 4. Redesigning Carriageway widths

Fig 29, Phase 2 Design Interventions - MG Road; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 2 : Street Section

Fig 25, Street Section showing Phase 1 Design Interventions - MG Road; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

Phase 2 : Vision

Fig 25, Perspective view showing all design interventions; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 2 : Landscape Strategies Based on the sponge framework some of the key landscape elements in the Phase 2 : MG Road Pilot Project are provision of tree pits and upgraded stormwater drain with collection chambers.

Fig 30, Phase 2 Landscape Strategies - MG Road; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

Phase 2 : Community Strategies Based on the community framework some of the key amenities in the Phase 2 : MG Road Pilot Project are pavilions for exhibition, knowledge sharing and event spaces to create an active public realm.

Fig 31, Phase 2 Community Strategies - MG Road; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.2.3 Blue Green Infrastructure The Pilot along M.G. Road will become a resilient and complete street when built over phases via strategic sequencing of Sponge Street, Open Space, and Building components. The rain gardens are built as a pilot to test the viability of Delaying stormwater runoff from Maharaja College Ground and the sidewalk. This proof of concept allows the city to use blue-green infrastructure to manage runoff from the streets with tree pits. This network delays and temporarily stores runoff before it ends up in the upgraded cloudburst pipe. The combination of rainwater harvesting on rooftops with rain garden strips creates capacity for delaying and storing stormwater. The pilot blue-green infrastructure system drains into the daylit Mullassery Canal to the north and the Hospital Road cloudburst pipe via the rain garden or cloudburst pipe.

Fig 32, Blue Green Infrastructure - MG Road; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.2.4 Site Programming and Activation The design takes into consideration all the requirements laid out by the stakeholders, daily commuters and local residents. With all the mentioned programming and activation strategies, MG Road can be transformed into a new destination as a great pedestrian boulevard for the people of Kochi.By activating the MG Road, we can create a safer street that will encourage more people to commute using the metro and other means of public transport.

Fig 33, Site Programming and Activation - MG Road; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.3 Details of Pilot Project 2 - KMC Public Park 6.3.1 Current Scenario The KMC Park located on A.K Seshadri Road spanning from PT Usha Road to the MG Road intersection is the extent for the pilot project and has the following infrastructure and programs; Mullassery Canal: Along this stretch the Mullassery Canal is covered with concrete slabs. Stormwater Drain: There is a stormwater drain along the buildings on A.K Seshadri road. The concrete slabs over the canal have provision to allow minimal inlet of run off water. Fashion Street vendors: Fashion street vendors are currently located on top of the covered canal. There are currently 72 vendors in this stretch, mostly selling apparels and a few eateries. Right of Way: A.K. Seshadri road right of way ranges from 4.5-7m wide. Currently the road is not wide enough for sidewalks in addition to the vendor stalls. Street Parking is not possible on this road because of width constraints. There is a large commercial complex and surface parking lot across the street from the Fashion Street vendors. KMC Park: Behind the Fashion Street vendors is the land owned by KMC. It is an underutilized and neglected park with cricket pitch, badminton court and children's playground that are abandoned with no access. The park is separated from the Maharaja’s ground by a wire mesh fence. The park has many large mature trees such as Mango, Palm, Jackfruit and Urakka Trees. Sewage Pump station: The sewage pump station is located at the MG Road intersection and compounded with limited access. The pump station also has many mature trees.

Fig 34, Pilot Project 2 - KMC Public Park, Current Scenario; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Fig 23, Pilot Project 2 - MG Road, Current Scenario - Section; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

Fig. 8, Rethinking Open spaces and streets under Sponge framework; Source: Unknown

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Fig. X, View of Fashion Street vendors market; Source:Sponge Collaborative

Fig. X, View of Abandoned play equipments inside KMC Park; Source:Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.3.2 Phase 1 Design Interventions : KMC Public Park Leveraging the underutilised KMC Park, the phase 1 of the pilot project proposes to regrade the existing park for bringing in new programming. Existing trees on the site are retained in the proposed design. Existing cricket pitch on site is relocated to the Proposed Metro Plaza. The MG Road plaza in the pilot project 1 connects to the sewage pump station which is opened up to create a public realm at the intersection of MG Road and A.K.Seshadri Road. This area near the intersection is called the utility zone and will be programmed further in phase 2. The wire fence separating the park from the Maharaja Ground is removed and a green buffer with visual connectivity is proposed. The Park is designed to act as local sponge spaces by incorporating constructed wetlands and sunken OAT that can flood during a cloudburst event. In phase 1, the fashion street vendors are retained and the Mullassery canal remains covered until a relocation site for the vendors is identified. In this phase the park is only accessible by MG Road and PT Usha Road. There is no access to the park from A.K.Seshadri road. List of Interventions: 7. Silent Park (Constructed Wetlands) 8. Event Space (Sunken OAT) 9. Leisure Park ( Constructed Wetlands) 10. Utility Space

Fig 35, Phase 1 Design Interventions - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 1 : Site Section

Fig 36, Phase 1 Site Section - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

Phase 1 : Landscape Strategies Based on the sponge framework, some of the key landscape elements in the Phase 1 : KMC Public Park Pilot Project are two Constructed Wetlands in Silent Park and Leisure park each, one Pollinator Park and Green Buffer along the Maharaja Ground Boundary in this stretch.

Fig 37, Phase 1 Landscape Strategies - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 1 : Mobility Strategies In the Phase 1 : KMC Public Park Pilot Project a pathway is created from the Vendor Plaza through the different programs of the park until the PT Usha Road to create accessibility.

Fig 38, Phase 1 Mobility Strategies - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

Phase 1 : Community Strategies Based on the community framework some of the key amenities for the people in the Phase 1 : KMC Public Park Pilot Project are one silent park, one leisure park, one pollinator park and one sunken OAT for community based events.

Fig 39, Phase 1 Community Strategies - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.3.3 Phase 2 Design Interventions : KMC Public Park In Phase 2, along KMC Public Park there are 72 fashion street vendors mostly selling apparels located over the canal on A.K.Seshadri Road. To daylight the Mullassery canal it is imperative that they be relocated to viable commercial areas with possibility to accommodate all of the current vendors. Within the precinct level framework we have identified the following possible locations: 1. KMC waste collection site : Located within Subsite C of the overall Mullassery Canal masterplan on the commercially active Market Rd, this site has adequate land area to create a shopping complex to house all the fashion street vendors. 2. KSRTC Bus Stop : Located within Subsite A of the overall Mullassery Canal masterplan, the bus stop supports many local vendors and commercial activities. The bus depot redesign can accommodate the relocated vendors. 3. Priyadarshini Park : Located within Subsite C of the overall Mullassery Canal masterplan, the park is an active public space along Marine Drive which is a popular tourist spot. The proposed pilot project 1 along MG Road incorporates designated vendor plazas for carts, eateries etc to provide sustainable livelihoods and commercial viability for these vendors.

Fig 40, Phase 2 Design Interventions - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

By relocating the fashion street vendors we also open up the KMC Public Park towards the A.K Seshadri Road and make it more accessible from all the three streets. Due to the street width constraints and lack of sidewalk, a Woonerf (Shared Street) is proposed along the canal that prioritizes pedestrian movement near the park. The park is connected to the woonerf through two decks located over the canal. The MG Road and A.K Seshadri Road intersection median is removed and a crosswalk is designed to create an intersection plaza to prioritize non motorized transport. A shared bicycle lane along the entire stretch of the Mullassery canal is established. More community oriented programs such as kids play area, sunken skating rink and public toilets are proposed in this phase. More seaters and adequate lighting is provided to make the park safe and accessible to all. List of Interventions: 11. Woonerf 12. Daylighting Canal 13. Kids Play Area 14. Sunken Skating Rink 15. Public Toilets 16. MG Road Intersection Plaza

Fig 40, Phase 2 Design Interventions - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 2 : Site Section

Fig 41, Phase 2 Site Section - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

Phase 2 : Vision

Fig 41, Phase 2 Site Section - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 2 : Landscape Strategies Based on the sponge framework, some of the key landscape elements in the Phase 2 : KMC Public Park Pilot Project are daylighting the Mullassery Canal, one Sunken Skating Rink and one Floodable Kids Play area as local sponge spaces.

Fig 42, Phase 2 Landscape Strategies - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

Phase 2 : Mobility Strategies Based on the mobility framework, some of the key strategies in the Phase 2 :KMC Public Park Pilot Project are making A.K Seshadri Road into a Woonerf(Shared street) and creating an intersection plaza on MG Road. Two decks connect the woonerf to the amenities on the park.

Fig 43, Phase 2 Mobility Strategies - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Phase 2 : Community Strategies Based on the community framework some of the key amenities for the people in the Phase 2 : KMC Public Park Pilot Project are one kids play area, one sunken skating rink and public toilets.

Fig 44, Phase 2 Community Strategies - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

Add one image of an active woonerf as a case study project here

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.3.4 Blue Green Infrastructure The Pilot along Mullassery Canal will demonstrate the potential of Sponge Open Spaces to mitigate flooding, increase biodiversity, create cooler micro-climates, and provide multi-functional spaces for recreation, cultural events, livelihoods, and solitude. The network of open spaces are graded to function as a terraced system. Stormwater runoff from the Maharaja College Ground as well as overflow from the M.G. Road rain garden system is distributed into open spaces designed to flood during exceedance or extreme storm events. In sequence, water will flow into the Sunken Skating Rink, Playgrounds, Retention Pond, Sunken Open Air Theater, and the Constructed Wetlands. This network slows down the runoff before it eventually ends up in the daylit Mullassery Canal. In the event of extreme cloudburst during high tide that leads to the canal flooding, the system of open spaces is designed to accommodate this overflow instead of flowing directly into the streets.

Fig 45, Blue Green Infrastructure - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

6.3.5 Site Programming and Activation The public park programming takes into consideration all the requirements laid out by the stakeholders, daily commuters and local residents. With all the proposed parks, recreation, community amenities and activation strategies, KMC Public Park can be transformed into a resilient public realm for all the people in and around this neighborhood. By opening up the canal and integrating it with the park will help re-establish the link between the citizens of Kochi and the city’s waterways.

Fig 46, Site Programming and Activation - KMC Public Park; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Chapter 7: Implementation Strategies 7.1 Pilot projects as catalytic interventions in multi-level governance frameworks Pilot projects for the EnteKochi Urban Design Competition have been conceptualised as a critical link in implementing integrated urban development that will set Kochi on the path to sustainable urban development for future generations. In the sustainable development literature, pilot projects are critically important as “niches” that can help to eventually enact sustainability transitions for a city-system or region at a larger scale by engaging in multiscalar governance infrastructures; a failure to engage with multilevel governance frameworks leads to often promising pilot projects not having an impact on larger urban-level development patterns (Schot and Geels, 2008). This Detailed Project Report therefore conceptualises pilot projects as catalytic interventions that can and ought to have an influence over how Kochi as a whole deals with its blue-green systems to increase urban resilience, shifts mobility trends away from private vehicle ownership and towards multi-modal mobility with an increased share of non-motorised modes, and strengthens the social contract between government and citizens through more meaningful devolution to local bodies by putting in place participatory budgeting, design and collaborative governance frameworks. Both pilot projects in this Detailed Project Report showcase the Adapt, Connect and Empower strategies discussed at the framework level for the entire Mullassery Canal precinct as well as each subsite. Through the pilot projects, there is potential for building on more long-term institutional efforts to tackle urban resilience and social cohesion.

Fig 47: Framework model showing how the Pilot projects catalyses change at each level; Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

The pilot projects, while limited to specific sites, have the potential to impact and catalyse a shift towards sustainable urban development frameworks in the following ways and at following scales: 1.

Overall institutional building efforts at the state and district scale a. Pilot projects have the potential to catalyse capacity-building and knowledge-sharing efforts in state-level government agencies, particularly for how to plan networked blue-green infrastructure systems; b. These pilot projects can unlock innovative funding solutions that are rooted in sustainable development and Environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics; ESG funding is seeing increasing support amongst global investors and is slated to take a larger share of the capital markets in the next decade. Adapt, Connect and Empower as frameworks have been developed with a focus on ESG factors; these pilot projects would therefore be a good fit for ESG and blended finance instruments, which could have an impact on institutional efforts to secure project funding.

2. Regional level planning strategies at the urban scale a. The Adapt, Connect and Empower principles highlight that pilot projects need to consider blue-green systems, mobility systems, and community systems together when formulating design strategies and specific interventions. At the scale of the city, the experience of implementing pilot projects can catalyse planning frameworks and methodologies that consider integrated datasets and approaches for blue-green networks, land use and transportation networks. b. Experiences from the implementation of pilot projects and continuous monitoring of pilot project systems performance would also generate a system of benchmarks and design standards that allow for data-led regional planning exercises. c. At this scale, it might also be useful to consider new spatial categories for more effective planning. For example, governance frameworks for blue-green infrastructure might be considered at the level of the ecological biome or river basin rather than the metropolitan region. 3. Subsite level masterplanning at the neighbourhood scale - In this report, we refer to the “Subsite level” masterplan, as corresponding in scale to the Area Development Plans that are undertaken by local bodies at the neighbourhood scale. Pilot projects must necessarily engage with the subsite level masterplans in an iterative feedback loop; lessons learned from the pilot projects will be used to further refine the subsite level masterplan; the subsite level masterplan would further engage with and refine design toolkits and framework to identify key priority areas for future pilots. Diffusion of implementation experiences will also enrich subsite masterplans throughout Kochi, which will feed back into regional planning frameworks.

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

7.2 Implementation of pilots in the context of multi-level governance frameworks Institutional Efforts

Institutional efforts need to focus on creating high-quality, digitised spatial datasets, and enabling sharing of spatial data between agencies tasked with implementation of site-level pilot projects. For the Sponge Framework, a resilience-focused governance framework at the state level spearheaded by a government task force with the mission of coordinating resilience initiatives across the state, would result in a focused and coordinated response to climate change-induced vulnerabilities. This task force would also facilitate knowledge-sharing and capacity building in blue-green infrastructure implementation across government agencies. While formation of the task force is a short-term exercise, the impacts will be felt within a 10-20 year timeline. For the Integrated Mobility Framework, institutional efforts to integrate land use and transport planning, and incorporate climate change risks and vulnerabilities into long-term infrastructure planning are medium to long-term institutional efforts. For realising the Community Framework, it is important to set up a robust, transparent data collection and governance framework at the state level that is tasked with generating and updating spatial data to track metrics such as transport disadvantage and social exclusion (which includes in its ambit access to livelihoods, access to food, and access to basic amenities). The impact of doing so will be realised ten years down the line. A state-level legal framework that further devolves and strengthens citizen participation mechanisms (including data transparency) at the local level is also essential and can be implemented on a medium-term basis. Pilot projects provide the opportunity to test, refine and scale these mechanisms in the short term. 57

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Metropolitan/Regional Planning efforts

At the scale of the metropolitan region, it is important to scale up and incorporate the recommendations of the Mullassery canal precinct framework to the entire urban region of Kochi. In order to implement a city-wide Sponge Framework, the first step is to generate updated spatial data at the scale of the Periyar river basin. The next step is to generate contextual street and open space design guidelines in the short to medium term, as well as policy recommendations for Sponge Buildings. Data collection and constant monitoring of the Sponge building policies are essential for achieving the objectives of any value capture programme in the medium term. Long-term planning for networked infrastructure i.e. canals and waterways, living shoreline for the coastal edge, etc. needs to be integrated into the Sponge Framework to increase Kochi’s resilience to waterlogging, aquifer intrusion and coastal erosion. Building on the momentum established by the Mullassery canal precinct framework, constant identification of priority areas and pilot projects makes it possible to establish an iterative feedback loop to refine the Sponge framework to maximise flood mitigation effectiveness in the long term. The spatial extent of the Integrated Mobility Framework at the scale of the metropolitan region needs to be drawn keeping in mind the spread of mobility corridors and modes. Spatial data and analyses that highlight the linkages between mobility modes, land use and climate change risks are important prerequisites to developing the framework. Street design typologies and toolkits, including planning designated vending spaces, formulating policies to promote vibrant urban spaces and safeguard livelihoods, that promote 58

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

non-motorised transport, and modes of collaboration with the private sector that leads to greater innovation in multi-modal mobility through strategic pilot projects, are all medium term measures that will result in a long-term transition to more sustainable transport modes. There is potential for a unified metropolitan transport authority to take a leading role in bringing all of these components together at the urban scale. The Community Framework must correspond to the boundaries of political governance units for maximum effectiveness at the scale of the metropolitan region. Immediate measures such as piloting participatory design protocols in this pilot that empower communities and then scaling up across all city wards is an iterative process that will result in more collaborative governance in the long-term. Unlocking funding from various forces through private sector collaborations for innovative solutions to pressing civic issues such as solid waste management, is another area that can be tackled immediately through this pilot but with potentially large impact in the medium term and long term. The design and delivery of modules for community amenities such as public toilets, waste segregation amenities and play areas can be tested in this pilot project and then incorporated into spatial planning frameworks at the urban scale, to be targeted at underserved communities.

Subsite Masterplan and Pilot Project

At the neighbourhood/ward scale, it is important to identify priority areas for potential pilot projects for the Adapt, Connect and Empower Framework. Just as important as kickstarting the pilots, however, is the community stewardship protocols, data collection and management, and monitoring protocols after completion of the pilot project, which allows for its continued relevance, as well as the potential to use the data generated to compile metrics that can help refine and scale up to future projects. A concerted engagement campaign, through clean-up drives and community volunteering, also results in continued success of the pilot that can be replicated elsewhere.

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

7.3 Pilot Project Phasing

7.4 Data Collection for Pilot Project Implementation and Monitoring This section outlines the detailed data that is required for successful implementation and monitoring of the pilot project pending review and approval for the Detailed Project Report.

Overall Types of Data required

Purpose

Detailed survey of Canal including inventory of stormwater and sewage water outfall locations, depth and slope of canal bed in Subsite B

Designing the canal edge - this can be a crowdsourced data exercise.

Standard street section drawings indicating slopes, curb height. the diameters of the storm water pipes (primary, secondary, tertiary) and sewage lines (primary, secondary, tertiary) as per Kochi Municipality standards

Detailed design of blue-green infrastructure, utilities and carriageway

Ownership of land along 1.4km stretch of canal and within study area

Land use planning framework for

Preferred Format: Plan with ownership data of study area

canal edge masterplan;

Acceptable Formats: List of parcels that are publicly owned or managed within study area

identification of stakeholders for

List of Planned or Proposed infrastructure projects within and around

Utility design and planning;

study area including stormwater, sewage, and road upgradation or

integration of canal edge master

expansion

plan themes into existing context

Existing sewage infrastructure network plan including treatment and outlet locations

Detail design of utilities on MG Road

pilot project feasibility

Sponge Framework For design and implementation of pilot projects

Types of Data required

Purpose

Flood-prone areas and Stormwater Capacity Data in Subsite B. Preferred

Establishing infrastructural and

Format: Plan of flooded areas from 2018 Kochi floods and list of 100 year, 20

ecological baselines for before

year, and 5 year flood elevation level within Mullassery Canal

and after implementation of pilot project

Existing stormwater infrastructure network plan including inlet and outlet

Assess feasibility of Sponge

locations and designed capacity (rainfall/hour) of primary, secondary, and

Framework pilot project and utility

tertiary stormwater lines

design and planning

Preferred Formats: To scale Plan of system within Mullassery precinct area in CAD or print Acceptable Formats: Schematic network drawing with labels in print

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Depth to Water Table and Geology

Formulating strategies to capture

Preferred Format: Map with water table spot elevations, soil

and delay water and prevent

characteristics, and bedrock geology within study area

saltwater intrusion as part of the Cloudburst Resiliency Framework and Canal Edge Master Plan as well as a potential Community Groves pilot project; assess feasibility of living shoreline strategies for long-term rollout.

For monitoring and evaluation of pilot projects Types of Data required

Purpose

Detailed survey of Canal including inventory of stormwater and sewage water outfall locations, depth and slope of canal bed in Subsite B

Designing the canal edge

Flood-prone areas and Stormwater Capacity Data in Subsite B. Preferred

Establishing capacity of

Format: Plan of flooded areas from 2018 Kochi floods and list of 100 year, 20

blue-green infrastructure to guide

year, and 5 year flood elevation level within Mullassery Canal

detailed design

Existing stormwater infrastructure network plan including inlet and outlet

Utility design and planning for

locations and designed capacity (rainfall/hour) of primary, secondary, and

Sponge Framework pilot project

tertiary stormwater lines Preferred Formats: To scale Plan of system within Mullassery precinct area in CAD or print Acceptable Formats: Schematic network drawing with labels in print

Standard street section drawings indicating slopes, curb height. the diameters of the storm water pipes (primary, secondary, tertiary) and sewage lines (primary, secondary, tertiary) as per Kochi Municipality standards

Detailed design of blue-green infrastructure

Ownership of land along 1.4km stretch of canal and within study area

Land use planning framework for

Preferred Format: Plan with ownership data of study area

canal edge masterplan;

Acceptable Formats: List of parcels that are publicly owned or managed within study area

identification of stakeholders for

List of Planned or Proposed infrastructure projects within and around

Utility design and planning;

study area including stormwater, sewage, and road upgradation or

integration of canal edge master

expansion

plan themes into existing context

Depth to Water Table and Geology

Formulating strategies to capture

Preferred Format: Map with water table spot elevations, soil

and delay water and prevent

characteristics, and bedrock geology within study area

saltwater intrusion during detailed

pilot project feasibility

design of blue-green infrastructure

Existing sewage infrastructure network plan including treatment and outlet locations

Utility design and planning; detail design for a potential MG Road Pilot project

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Integrated Mobility Framework For design and implementation of pilot projects Types of Data required 1

Volume counts of pedestrians, cyclists, and all motor vehicles at the MG Road Intersection and periodic mid-block crossing locations.

Traffic movement patterns of pedestrians, cyclists, and all modes of

Purpose

vehicles at all major intersections

1. Counts of onstreet parking and off street public parking for four-wheelers and two-wheelers 2. Existing parking and parking zones 3. Revenue generated from parking

For monitoring and evaluation Community Framework Socio-economic profile and survey of ward by age, gender, income level and occupation Household waste management survey in subsite Survey on access to amenities

7.5 Stakeholder Collaboration with the Pilot Projects In order to realize the change proposed through spatial frameworks and principles, it is critical to embed collaborative governance models in the systems of implementation, operations, and management. Collaborative governance as processes and structures of decision-making involves stakeholders from a variety of sectors and levels ‘to carry out a public purpose that could not otherwise be accomplished’ (Emerson, 2012). For the context of Mullassery canal, the stakeholders may range from the state and city officials, politicians, community, NGOs, private sector investors, development banks or financing units, and experts from the various fields of urban studies. Through a collaborative governance model, the city and its allied agencies / stakeholders can benefit in the following three ways. a. Financial investments can be streamlined, optimised, and spent in a prudent manner with public consensus and in a transparent manner. b. The vision for a larger framework and paradigm can be co-developed with due respect and acknowledgement given to the requirements and needs of all stakeholders. c. Through collaborative implementation, project conception, operations & maintenance, the city can nurture an open cross-departmental learning culture. 62

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Figure x: Stakeholder collaboration for Phase 1 of the MG Road Pilot Project; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

Figure x: Stakeholder collaboration for Phase 2 of the MG Road Pilot Project; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Figure x: Stakeholder collaboration for Phase 1 of the KMC Public Park Pilot Project; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

Figure x: Stakeholder collaboration for Phase 2 of the KMC Public Park Pilot Project; Image Credit : Sponge Collaborative

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

Annexures : List of Working Drawings MP-01 Masterplan Subsite B MP-02 Masterplan Subsite B Stormwater Drain Layout P-01 Pilot Project MG Road - Phase 1 Plan P-02 Pilot Project MG Road - Phase 2 Plan P-03 Pilot Project MG Road - Plan - Lighting Layout P-04 Pilot Project MG Road - Detail Plan - Phase 1 P-05 Pilot Project MG Road - Detail Plan - Phase 2 P-06 Pilot Project MG Road - Existing Section P-07 Pilot Project MG Road - Phase 1 Section P-08 Pilot Project MG Road - Phase 2 Section P-09 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Phase 1 Plan P-09 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Phase 2 Plan P-11 Pilot Project Fashion Street - Lighting Plan P-12 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Existing Section P-13 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Phase 1 Section P-14 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Phase 2 Section D-01a Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 01- Raingarden Details D-01b Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 01- Raingarden Details D-01c Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 01- Raingarden Details D-02 Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 02- Check Dam And Deck D-03 Pilot Project- MG Road detail 03- Bike Stand And Shed D-04 Pilot Project- MG Road Detail 04- Furniture Details D-05 Pilot Project KMC Public Park -detail 01 (Constructed Wetland In Silent Park) D-06 Pilot Project KMC Public Park - Detail 02 (Constructed Pond In Leisure Park) D-07a Pilot Project -KMC Public Park Detail 03- Event Space(Sunken OAT) D-07b Pilot Project -KMC Public Park Detail 03- Event Space(Sunken OAT) D-07c Pilot Project -KMC Public Park Detail 03- Event Space(Sunken OAT) D-08a Pilot Project -KMC Public Park Detail-04 Furniture

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE DETAILED PROJECT REPORT FOR REDESIGNING MG ROAD AND KMC PUBLIC PARK ALONG THE MULLASSERY CANAL

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