Revitalization of urban waterfronts through WaTOD

Abstract

Cities aiming to expand their public transportation network and provide an alternative to land-based transportation are increasingly turning towards water transit, with the aim of supplementing the existing transportation network to reduce traffic congestion and thus pollution. Urban areas have been the epicentre of growth and a destination for employment opportunities. Therefore, they are in constant flux due to migration from the peripheral areas in search of jobs and better living conditions, eventually leading to urban sprawl. According to the Census 2011 projections, cities are expected to accommodate 41% of India's population by 2030, up from 31% in 2011. There are numerous benefits of urbanization, such as economies of scale and access to education, but there are also negative externalities, such as environmental degradation and a reduction in quality of life. Srinagar has seen a rapid surge of urbanization, with increasing population and limited geographical features, the city is expanding horizontally at a very fast pace, resulting in a rise of private vehicle ownership, causing traffic congestion, more road accidents, air pollution, haphazard growth, a decline in the use of public transportation.(Traffic Advisory J&K 2020) The Urban Sprawl has shown major impacts on waterbodies and wetlands, the haphazard growth resulted in encroachment over water bodies and fragmented them from the wetlands which has made the city more susceptible to floods.(TPO Kashmir 2015) The Water Transit-oriented development (WaTOD) model aims at preparing a development plan by directing importance to water bodies as an element of transit-based growth. It plans on creating a water-centric city by developing the urban land use near water transit terminals to boost inland water transportation in conjunction with alternatives such as roadways and rails to make a sustainable urban transportation system. Redevelopment of waterfront district for high-density business, residential and tourism purposes along with Water Transit Terminals and Proposing parks and green spaces that encourage movement along the river. The development model will focus on creating a relationship between livelihood and water bodies to create a sense of attachment by converting water into an asset than a barrier.