The increasing population and limited resources have strained urban landscapes worldwide. In response, the concept of smart cities, which leverage modern technology and sustainable solutions, has gained momentum. A key aspect of smart cities is the efficient management of resources, including water.
As urbanisation continues, the decline of urban green spaces has further exacerbated water-related challenges. This report examines the need for intelligent water management in declining urban green areas, focusing on initiatives in India and Singapore.
Smart cities aim to enhance traditional services using modern technology and innovative ideas to improve residents’ quality of life. For example, the Smart Cities Mission in India promotes sustainable and inclusive development by creating compact, replicable models that inspire other cities to adopt smart solutions.
Within the context of smart cities, smart water management systems play a crucial role in ensuring resilient and efficient water supply systems while reducing costs and improving sustainability. These systems leverage high-technology solutions to transform conventional water and wastewater into instrumented, interconnected, intelligent networks.
The impact of these urbanisation trends on water availability and quality cannot be ignored. India, the largest groundwater user globally, faces a critical situation where approximately 60 percent of all aquifers are projected to be in critical condition within the next 20 years. Groundwater supports over 60 percent of irrigated agriculture and 85 percent of drinking water supply.
Addressing the seasonal variability in water supply, which often results in shortages during certain periods and excesses during others, is a crucial aspect of designing and planning smart cities. Various approaches have been attempted in India and around the world to increase green cover and mitigate water-related challenges. For instance, Ahmedabad, one of the smart cities in India, initiated the interlinking of lakes after major floods in 2002-03. This project involved connecting lakes to create a system where excess water could flow from one lake to another, providing flood resilience and increased storage capacity.
Gender issues related to water stress were also discussed, highlighting the long distances women often travel to fetch water, even in peri-urban areas. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of water stress and its social implications.
Reviving existing water bodies and developing comprehensive water management data are crucial steps in addressing water stress. Drawing from successful rural water management approaches, a focus on water commons and a sense of ownership post-restoration can incentivise further progress.
