Green and Blue Network Planning for Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
Today, cities of India are experiencing increasingly severe environmental issues related to depleting ground water, increasing temperature due to heat island effect, air pollution due to suspended particulate matters, seasonal flooding due to loss of permeable surfaces etc. Loss of green cover, reduced opportunities for ground water recharge, increased amount of hardscaped surfaces etc. are some of the main factors causing such severe impacts locally, and contributing to the climate change globally. This research will begin with case studies of the Green Network Plans prepared and implemented in the cities of similar scale. Also, at the same time the student researchers will begin with preparing a base map of the identified cities (located in Maharashtra and/or Gujarat) for purposes of identifying opportunities for increasing green and blue network. Subsequently they will travel to the respective cities to study the issues faced by the communities. Also, during the visit, the students will identify various types of existing green and open spaces and water bodies in the city. Using GIS and other tools, the students will overlay the existing plans to identify the locations and features that can become part of the realistic Green Network Plan.
