Improving Accessibility to Urban Blue-Green Spaces: A Case of Howrah, India

Urban blue-green spaces (UBGS) significantly mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization on city dwellers, especially when easily accessible. UBGS relieves urban stressors, improves air quality, and reduces stress levels among urban dwellers. These spaces develop a sense of community engagement and encourage social-cultural interaction among the region’s residents. However, India’s rapid urbanization and population pressure have deteriorated such spaces. Most Indian cities have failed to meet the recommended standards and guidelines provided by the Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI), which suggests 10–12 m2 of open spaces per individual. The Indian cities are facing increased rural-to-urban migration, with urbanization rates soaring, further exacerbating the problem. To solve issues related to the availability and accessibility of UBGS, the concerned authorities are focussing on optimizing these spaces to accommodate the growing population. Achieving Target 11.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to make green spaces universally accessible by 2030, requires integrating UBGS into city climate plans. This chapter explores the necessity of enhancing UBGS accessibility in Howrah municipality through satellite imagery, field surveys, and interviews with locals and officials. It also underlines the multidimensional role of UBGS in ecological conservation, stormwater management, economic empowerment, and the overall well-being of communities. The study will contribute to understanding the region’s issues, developing appropriate policy frameworks, installing amenities, and working on blue-green network ideas.