THE CONTEXT: Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, faces critical urban planning challenges from rapid expansion, geographic constraints, and historical neglect. Experts highlight the urgent need for comprehensive, community-involved strategies to address infrastructure inadequacies and environmental concerns and create a more resilient, livable urban environment.
GEOGRAPHIC CHALLENGES:
- Guwahati’s unique terrain and drainage patterns: Guwahati’s geography presents unique challenges for urban development and water management. The city is spread over 300 sq km, with undulating topography consisting of hills, valleys, and floodplains. Guwahati is situated on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River, which flows east-west along the city’s northern fringe.
- The city has seven natural drain channels: Bharalu-Bahini, Mora Bharalu, Basistha, Lakhimijan, Bondajan, Khanajan, and Kalmoni. Four primary wetlands—Deepor, Silsako, Borsola, and Soru Sola bells — play a crucial role in the city’s hydrology. The eastern and western parts of the city usually receive more rainfall than other areas due to their proximity to Meghalaya.
- The city’s drainage system is divided into three main basins: Bondajan, Bharalu, and Khanajan, with slopes of 9, 6, and 3 degrees, respectively. These geographic features have historically helped manage stormwater, but rapid urbanization has disrupted natural drainage patterns.
- British-era assessments of the city’s suitability: The British initially warned against developing Guwahati, labeling it “the unhealthiest station in Assam” due to poor drainage. They observed that the city was originally a mix of hills and wetlands, with water draining slowly through natural outlets like Silsako Beel, Burulu River, and Dipurbil. Recognizing the difficulties posed by Guwahati’s sharp inclines and drainage issues, the British moved Assam’s capital to Shillong by 1874.
CHALLENGES IN GUWAHATI’S URBAN DEVELOPMENT
INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING ISSUES
- Inadequate drainage systems: Guwahati’s drainage systems face severe issues, as they cannot cope with the city’s rapid urbanization and increasing rainfall intensity. Construction and encroachment have disrupted the city’s natural drainage channels, leading to frequent urban flooding. The carrying capacity of drains has been significantly reduced due to siltation problems.
- Haphazard development and encroachment: Uncontrolled urbanization has resulted in haphazard development across Guwahati. Encroachment on hills and wetlands has disrupted natural water flow patterns and contributed to environmental degradation. The city’s expansion has often come at the cost of displacing tribal communities and encroaching upon protected areas.
- Lack of open spaces: The city suffers from a severe shortage of open spaces and parks. According to urban planning experts, the lack of local-level planning has resulted in insufficient land allocation for public spaces, which is crucial for a healthy urban environment.
- Poor road conditions and traffic congestion: Guwahati’s infrastructure, particularly its road network, is deteriorating. Potholes, damaged pavements, and inadequate road maintenance pose significant safety risks to commuters. The city also faces severe traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, due to poor traffic management and a lack of efficient public transportation systems.
GOVERNANCE AND DECISION-MAKING
- Role of parastatal organizations like GMDA: The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) plays a significant role in the city’s development, but its approach has been criticized for being top-down and not sufficiently inclusive. The creation of multiple agencies like GMDA and ASCRDA has led to a complex governance structure that can hinder effective urban planning.
- Sidelining of municipal corporations: Despite the 74th Amendment mandating a stronger role for municipal corporations in urban planning, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has been sidelined in many decision-making processes. This has resulted in a governance gap and a lack of local-level planning.
- Lack of citizen participation in planning: There is a significant lack of citizen participation in Guwahati’s urban planning processes. Experts note that public opinion is often sought only after plans are prepared rather than involving communities from the initial planning stages.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
- Flooding and water management problems: Guwahati experiences severe flooding, particularly during the monsoon season. The city’s location on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, combined with inadequate drainage systems and unplanned development, has exacerbated the problem.
- Impact on natural drainage patterns: Rapid urbanization and construction have disrupted the city’s drainage patterns. The original network of hills, wetlands, and natural water channels that helped manage stormwater has been significantly altered.
- Loss of wetlands and green spaces: Guwahati’s expansion has led to the loss of crucial wetlands and green spaces. Wetlands like Deepor Beel, which play a vital role in the city’s hydrology, have shrunk due to encroachment and pollution. The loss of these natural water bodies and green spaces has reduced the city’s capacity to absorb excess rainwater and regulate its microclimate.
URBAN EXPANSION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
- Population growth and unplanned development: Guwahati has experienced rapid urbanization and population growth, leading to significant challenges. The city’s built-up area increased from 41.21 sq km in 1972 to 110.21 sq km in 2016, while open areas decreased from 71.66 sq km to 30.66 sq km during the same period. This uncontrolled urban expansion has resulted in environmental degradation, including worse water quality, excessive air pollution, noise pollution, and waste disposal problems.
- Displacement of tribal communities: The expansion of Guwahati has led to the displacement and dispossession of tribal people from their native habitats. The denotification of the South Kamrup (Guwahati) Tribal Belt and the establishment of the Dispur Capital Complex in 1972 resulted in the displacement of tribal populations. Tribal leaders protesting further urban expansion plans cite this history of displacement.
- Influence of land brokers on city development: Land brokers have played a significant role in Guwahati’s urban development, often leading to haphazard construction and encroachment on open spaces. In the master plan, only 0.02% of the space was allocated for open spaces, most of which have been infringed upon.
THE WAY FORWARD:
SPONGE CITY AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION
Sponge cities are urban areas designed to absorb, store, and purify rainwater, mimicking natural hydrological processes. This concept integrates green infrastructure such as parks, wetlands, permeable pavements, and green roofs to manage water sustainably. The primary objectives are to reduce urban flooding, alleviate water shortages, and mitigate the heat island effect by enhancing ecological biodiversity and creating reservoirs for stormwater management.
IMPLEMENTATION OF SPONGE CITIES GLOBALLY
CHINA:
- The People’s Republic of China (PRC) pioneered the sponge city concept in 2013 to address urban flooding and water scarcity. By 2015, a national pilot program involving 30 cities was launched. These cities implemented permeable pavements, green roofs, and urban wetlands to manage stormwater locally.
- Examples include Xiamen’s Yangfang residential area and Shanghai’s Langang Park, which incorporate sponge city principles.
GERMANY:
- Cities like Berlin and Hamburg have adopted sponge city initiatives, focusing on enhancing green infrastructure to manage water sustainably.
UNITED STATES:
- Cities such as Seattle have integrated green infrastructure techniques to manage urban stormwater effectively.
OTHER GLOBAL EXAMPLES:
- Singapore’s Marina Barrage combines a lush urban park with water catchment functions to prevent flooding.
- Copenhagen has adopted sponge city strategies, incorporating green roofs and permeable surfaces, to address rising sea levels and increased rainfall.
CLIMATE RESILIENCE STRATEGIES
- Integrating resilience into urban planning: All cities, including Guwahati, need to integrate resilience into urban planning. This involves understanding the specific hazards a city faces and preparing accordingly.
- Addressing the city’s specific hazards: Guwahati faces challenges such as urban flooding, landslides, and air pollution. Addressing these hazards requires comprehensive planning, including improved drainage systems and slope analysis to avoid construction in flood-prone areas.
SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT
- Implementing sponge city concepts: Adopting sponge city concepts, which use landscapes to absorb and slowly release water, addressing floods and droughts. This approach could help mitigate Guwahati’s water-related challenges.
- Reviving traditional water conservation methods: Reviving traditional water conservation methods, such as those used in villages, could help manage water resources more effectively. Examples include terraced water pools and digging ponds.
PARTICIPATORY URBAN PLANNING:
- Creating platforms for citizen engagement: Platforms capturing all voices and stories from diverse groups and stakeholders in urban planning are needed. Currently, such platforms are missing, as technocrats primarily drive city planning.
- Involving diverse stakeholders in decision-making: Experts recommend a participatory approach involving civil society organizations, NGOs, and residents in urban planning decisions. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) should be central in facilitating people’s participation.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS
- Potential for adopting town planning schemes: The government has recently adopted town planning schemes in Guwahati and other parts of the state, signaling progress in land management. This approach could help improve urban planning and development.
- Balancing growth with environmental sustainability: Future development in Guwahati must balance growth with environmental sustainability. This includes focusing on drainage plans, preserving green spaces, and implementing climate-focused urban planning strategies.
THE CONCLUSION:
Addressing Guwahati’s urban challenges requires a comprehensive approach integrating climate resilience, sustainable water management, participatory planning, and balanced development strategies. By implementing these measures, Guwahati can work towards becoming a more resilient and livable city.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 The frequency of urban floods due to high-intensity rainfall has increased over the years. Discuss the reasons for urban floods. Highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. 2016
Q.2 Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two major floods in India’s last two decades. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim to tackle such floods. 2024
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Discuss the challenges and consequences of urban expansion. Considering these challenges, propose strategies for developing a more resilient and livable city by integrating climate resilience and sustainable water management.
SOURCE:
Spread the Word