An Overview of the Integration of Water Features in the Planning of Chandigarh

Water-Sensitive Urban PlanningWater sensitive urban planning (WSUP) is a holistic approach that acknowledges the role of water in urban environment by seamlessly integrating the urban water cycle and natural streams with spatial planning. This paper delves into the less-explored facets of WSUP in the urban planning of Chandigarh, a city celebrated for its modern architecture and urban design. Often regarded as a masterpiece of brutalist architectureBrutalist architecture, grid-iron layout, and segregated land use, the city’s remarkable integration of natural water streams tends to be ignored in discussions. Located on the foothills of the Siwalik rangeSiwalik range, the site of Chandigarh City was traversed by a network of streams draining from the hills. It is interesting to know that these meandering streams were carefully intertwined into the geometric planning of the city. This paper conducts an exploratory study to uncover the integration of streams with the masterplan of the city, resulting in the enhancement in its built environmentBuilt environment. Furthermore, it examines the consequences of unregulated urbanisation on the natural water stream network. In the paper, authors employ comparative method between archival maps and GISGeographic information systems-based maps to study the natural water network with the layers of urbanisation. Finally, the paper discussed the need for WSUP in the Indian context, emphasising on the integration of natural water bodies with the city infrastructure and planning. These principles are critical for fostering sustainable urban development in the diverse landscape of Indian cities.