Adarsh Joy Joseph

UR3596

India faces escalating water scarcity due to rapid urbanisation and population growth, with projections indicating it will be among the most affected countries by 2050. Despite significant government investment in waterbody restoration, a lack of a framework to prioritise critical sites often leads to ineffective outcomes. 
This study proposes a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework to evaluate and rank urban water bodies needing urgent intervention. Using the 2023 Water Body Census and focusing on Delhi as a case, the research integrates GIS and satellite imagery to assess physical and social parameters, emphasising dried and eutrophic water bodies. 
With over 3% of urban water bodies encroached (often by more than 50%), the study highlights the urgent need for an evaluation model to inform restoration priorities. The framework aims to restore ecological balance while embedding urban lifestyle elements, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and designers to enhance urban resilience and sustainable water management.