Improving resilience of the city through green infrastructure : case of Gwalior city

Abstract

Cities in developing world face pressure in terms of increase in demand of resources, infrastructure, services and housing .Now a days cities are experiencing the effect of climate change as some parts are becoming drier and others wetter. As a result from climate change ,urban resilience has now become an important issue of concern for future development .Green infrastructure can improve resilience by helping in managing flood risk ,prepare for drought ,reduce urban heat island effect and protect coastal areas . Gwalior is third largest city in Madhya Pradesh facing acute water stress because of increasing urbanization and imperviousness .It is among those cities which are exposed to heat waves and drought ,also as per the recent survey of Indian cities Gwalior has been ranked as third most polluted cities in India(Source : Centre for Science and Environment ,2015 ).The conventional approach of technological solutions to improve resilience is often expensive and inefficient ,so to improve resilience a nested approach binding together various greening actions and management of green infrastructure is required. The aim of this study is to improve resilience of Gwalior city through green infrastructure components. The study involves understanding the linkages between green infrastructure and climate resilience through literature review .Various case studies has been reviewed to understand the role of green infrastructure in improving city resilience. Green infrastructure components were identified along with stress and shocks in study area though mapping of the city .The existing GI of Gwalior city covers 240 acres which includes various components like river ,artificial ponds , parks , gardens , city forest , various recreation spaces ,highway trees . Data analysis is done using various tools and techniques like ArcGIS , runoff model , and other statistical tools .vulnerable areas were identified for enhancing resilience of Gwalior city such as decreasing water table; degrading water quality ;increasing air pollution; effect on geomorphology. Potential land parcels were identified for improving exiting green infrastructure components and proposing new Green infrastructure components in study area .Interventions includes:- revitalization of one of the river ;increasing city forest ; developing green parking lots ; and bio swales along major roads .Final outcome reflects evaluating benefits from proposed interventions like reduced and delayed storm water runoff volumes ,pollutants reduction and its role in enhancing resilience of Gwalior city.