URBIZEN

(source: CIRIA) Water has been integral to the evolution of cities. Yet, today water does not find a central place in the planning and design of our cities. Many Indian cities are facing a water crisis in some form or the other. Development and urbanization disturbs the natural water cycle, and creates a stress on the supply-demand equilibrium. In terms of water, cities are grappling with the issues of water shortage, flooding and water course pollution. In spite some areas being flooded every year claiming loss of life and property in urban areas, numerous other villages face drought, forcing many farmers towards destitution and suicide. Water has become a risk to be managed rather than an asset and opportunity. To bring back the focus on water in Indian cities, the need of the hour is for urban planners, urban designers, architects, engineers, landscape designers, hydrologists, environmentalists and ecologists to come together to develop strategies and plans to conserve