Regenerating water bodies to build resilient cities in India

The article argues that India’s urban water bodies, such as lakes, ponds, tanks, and wetlands, have historically played a crucial role in managing floods, recharging groundwater, moderating urban heat, and supporting water security, but rapid urbanisation, pollution, encroachment, and fragmented governance have severely degraded these systems. As a result, cities have lost an important layer of natural climate resilience. The paper finds that regenerating water bodies through scientific restoration, protection of catchments, stronger policy and institutional coordination, and sustained community involvement can significantly enhance urban resilience to climate risks. Rather than treating water bodies as isolated or ornamental features, the authors emphasise integrating them into urban planning as functional ecological infrastructure that supports long-term climate adaptation and sustainable urban development.