A-CUPCB-SPAV

Theme

Theme for the A-CUPCB-SPAV

SPA-Vijayawada declared as AMRUT Funded Centre

There is ample literature and reports that are pointing towards traditional urban planning processes and its stark delink with climate and environment, pointing to the adverse implications of urbanization on local environment, and on climate and environment not being in the input processes of spatial urban planning. The close connections between urban heat stress, urban flood risk, urban hazardous zones and aberrant land use planning, paving, encroaching and unscientific spatial distribution of green and blue has been aptly researched upon. However, still many Indian cities and city authorities continue to prepare spatial plans for housing, commerce, industry and transport in a manner that perceives environment as an afterthought, as an entity that needs to be addressed once there is a tangible issue. Understanding values and contributions of available stream networks, soil types, aquifers, watersheds, wetlands, vegetation cover, forest cover and grass cover within urban limits has not been an integral part of analysis that leads to future planning. This Centre would bring such gaps into its ambit and bridge such processes through building capacity and developing cases of solution tool kits. Coastlines of India are often lined with eco-sensitive corridors, and changing shorelines. Coastlines of India are also dotted with urbanization. Some of the biggest cities and towns are along the coast engaged in trade and activities of livelihood that are entwined with the coastline. Many of such areas are susceptible to wind surges, coastal erosion, tidal waves and cyclones. Every year many of such settlements have to brace themselves against natural hazards that are sudden or with slow onset. It is important to develop planning frameworks and solutions that provide a roadmap for analysis and projects for the settlements along the coast which conserves the ecological sensitivity and at the same time leverages the economic potential derivable from the tourists and port and associated activities.

The roles of buildings, roads, utilities, and paved surfaces in influencing heat stress, water accumulation, water shortage, creation of hazardous zones in the plains and hilly terrain, are aspects that do not form the routine basis of plan preparation and estimation. However, there are ample tools and techniques available in open platforms in present times that can help in multi criteria assessments and aid the decision-making process in a manner that is conducive and resilient towards climate risks in the long term. It is time that these tools and techniques are mainstreamed in the processes of urban planning in making it climate resilient. In line of these thoughts, the A-CUPCB-SPAV has set its overall theme as below:

“Climate Resilient Urban Planning and Design: A Focus on Coastal Vulnerability”

The A-CUPCB-SPAV shall endeavor to leverage and delve deep into the above theme through its functions and activities. Through each of its functions, it shall bring out new innovations, solutions and tools that can be useful for planners, settlement designers and architects, who work in the local bodies or engage with local bodies.

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