MEVE 016: Unit 14 – Green Infrastructure

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UNIT 14: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

14.0 Introduction

As cities grow denser and more built-up, the degradation of natural systems has led to increased urban flooding, air pollution, and reduced quality of life. In response, green infrastructure has emerged as a sustainable urban planning approach that mimics natural processes to manage water, enhance biodiversity, reduce heat, and improve urban livability.

Green infrastructure is not merely about greenery—it is a strategic network of natural and semi-natural systems that deliver ecological, economic, and social benefits. This unit introduces the concept of green infrastructure, its types, benefits, challenges, and its role in sustainable urban development.

14.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, the learner will be able to:

·         Understand the meaning and scope of green infrastructure in urban areas.

·         Identify key types of green infrastructure and their functions.

·         Evaluate the benefits and challenges of implementing green infrastructure.

·         Explore prospects of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning.

14.2 Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to a network of natural or engineered green spaces that provide ecosystem services such as air and water purification, flood control, climate regulation, and recreation.

It contrasts with grey infrastructure (pipes, drains, concrete), emphasizing nature-based solutions that restore environmental balance.

Green infrastructure includes:

·         Urban forests, parks, green roofs

·         Wetlands and bioswales

·         Permeable pavements

·         Tree-lined streets

·         Rain gardens and vegetated walls

Principle: Work with nature to make cities more livable, resilient, and sustainable.

14.3 Important Types of Green Infrastructure

14.3.1 Water Management / Harvesting Assemblies

Green infrastructure can manage stormwater by capturing, filtering, and slowly releasing it into the ground.

Examples:

·         Rain gardens absorb runoff and filter pollutants.

·         Bioswales direct stormwater into vegetated channels.

·         Rainwater harvesting systems collect water from rooftops for reuse.

Benefits:

·         Reduces urban flooding.

·         Recharges groundwater.

·         Improves water quality.

14.3.2 Permeable Paving

Unlike traditional concrete, permeable pavements allow water to seep through surfaces, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.

Types:

·         Porous concrete

·         Interlocking pavers

·         Grass pavers

Applications:

·         Footpaths, parking lots, low-traffic roads.

14.3.3 Green Open Spaces and Street Trees

Parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets serve both ecological and recreational functions.

Benefits:

·         Enhance air quality and reduce noise.

·         Offer urban cooling and shade.

·         Provide habitat for birds and insects.

·         Support mental and physical health.

Examples: Delhi’s Lodhi Garden, Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park, and tree-lined avenues in Chandigarh.

14.3.4 Green Roofs and Green Walls

Green roofs are vegetated surfaces on rooftops; green walls include vertical gardens or climbers on building facades.

Advantages:

·         Improve insulation and reduce energy use.

·         Mitigate the urban heat island effect.

·         Increase biodiversity in dense urban areas.

·         Aesthetic enhancement of buildings.

Example: The Indira ParyavaranBhawan in Delhi uses green roofs to achieve energy efficiency.

14.3.5 Phytoremediation / Bio Retention or Appropriate Plant Selections

Phytoremediation uses plants to clean up soil, air, and water pollution. Bio-retention involves vegetation in areas designed to absorb and filter stormwater.

Examples:

·         Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment.

·         Vetiver grass to stabilize soil and remove heavy metals.

Appropriate plant selection based on local ecology ensures sustainability and minimal maintenance.

14.4 Benefits of Green Infrastructure and Prospects

Environmental Benefits

·         Improves air and water quality.

·         Enhances biodiversity and ecological connectivity.

·         Controls stormwater and reduces flood risks.

·         Mitigates climate change impacts through carbon sequestration and cooling.

Social Benefits

·         Enhances public health through cleaner environments and access to nature.

·         Promotes community engagement and well-being.

·         Reduces urban stress and improves mental health.

Economic Benefits

·         Increases property values.

·         Reduces infrastructure costs (e.g., stormwater systems).

·         Lowers energy costs through passive cooling and insulation.

Prospects in India

·         India’s Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and Climate Smart Cities Alliance encourage green infrastructure.

·         Growing urbanization presents both a challenge and an opportunity for sustainable redesign.

·         Integration into urban planning policies and zoning regulations is vital for scalability.

14.5 Challenges of Green Infrastructure

1.      Initial Cost and Investment: Higher upfront costs deter adoption despite long-term savings.

2.      Lack of Awareness and Capacity: Urban planners and citizens may not fully understand green infrastructure benefits.

3.      Space Constraints in Dense Areas: Limited land availability hinders green space creation.

4.      Maintenance and Monitoring: Green systems need regular care, which is often overlooked or underfunded.

5.      Policy and Institutional Barriers:

o    Overreliance on traditional engineering solutions.

o    Fragmented governance and lack of interdepartmental coordination.

6.      Climatic and Regional Variability: Different cities require context-specific green solutions suited to their ecosystems.

14.6 Let Us Sum Up

Green infrastructure offers a holistic and nature-based solution to many of the urban challenges of today, including flooding, pollution, heat stress, and poor public health. By integrating green infrastructure—like rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavements, and urban forests—into the design of cities, we can create more resilient, livable, and sustainable urban environments.

While there are challenges in implementation, the environmental, social, and economic benefits far outweigh the constraints. As Indian cities continue to grow, embedding green infrastructure into mainstream urban planning is no longer a choice but a necessity.

14.7 Keywords

·         Green Infrastructure: A network of natural or semi-natural systems designed to deliver ecological services in urban areas.

·         Permeable Pavement: Pavement that allows water to seep into the ground.

·         Phytoremediation: The use of plants to remove pollutants from soil, water, or air.

·         Green Roof: A roof covered with vegetation for insulation and ecological benefits.

·         Bioswale: A landscape element designed to concentrate or remove debris and pollution from surface runoff water.

·         Urban Heat Island Effect: The increase in temperature in urban areas compared to rural surroundings due to human activity.

 

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