Table of Contents
Context: To tackle floods, Surat City has adopted mitigation measures in form of ‘Green Infrastructure’, making it an effective ‘Flood Mitigation’ technique.
About Green Infrastructure for Flood Mitigation in Surat
- Causes of flooding in Surat
- Accelerating impact of demographic growth, urbanization trends and climate changes.
- Tides from Arabian Sea and Higher stream flow in Tapi River from Ukai Dam, increase risk of Floods.
- Encroachment in the floodplain areas and silting in the river-bed have exacerbated the conditions.
- Deficient urban drainage system, deforestation, and impervious surfaces due to urbanization have all added to Flood Risk.
- Under such an increased Risk of Flood, Green Infrastructure could be a feasible solution to aid mitigation efforts.
- At the scale of a city or county, green infrastructure refers to the patchwork of natural areas that provides habitat, flood protection, cleaner air, and cleaner water.
- At the scale of a neighborhood or site, green infrastructure refers to storm-water management systems that mimic nature by soaking up and storing water, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and green roofs.
- Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage water and create healthier urban environments.
- Aspects of Green Infrastructure which can be implemented in Surat
- Storm water Management
- Storm water management means to manage surface run-off.
- It is essential in urban areas where run-off cannot infiltrate because the surfaces are impermeable.
- Storm water harvesting along both the sides of roads with the help of suitable, simple structures, would control storm water hazards.
- Bios wales
- It is a linear vegetative channel which help slow down the run-off and percolate into the ground.
- Dense vegetation helps to infiltrate run-off effectively, hence native plants are preferable.
- Green Roof
- Is a thin vegetative cover over a roof to collect, filter and store rainfall, so as to retain and delay the rain water to end up getting discharged in storm water drains.
- This prevents water-logging and eventually leads to flooding.
- Permeable Paving
- These allow water to percolate or travel through their structure into the underlying ground layer, thereby relieving pressures on traditional storm water management systems.
- Permeable pavements are typically designed to handle as much as 70-80% of annual rainfall.
- Storm water Management
Conclusion
- With increasing pressures of Urbanisation and climate change risk, feasible solutions need to be sought to prevent impact of natural disasters.
- Green Infrastructure as a solution has been proven effective in cities of Rotterdam, London. Hence, the need to mimic the same in India, wherever cities are vulnerable.
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