Planning for integrated urban water management system for smart city Case study Gwalior city Madhya Pradesh India

Abstract

Water stands as an indispensable element for life and remains arguably the most crucial natural resource essential for human survival. Cities worldwide are grappling with multifaceted challenges, including urban expansion, rapid population growth, industrialization, and the impacts of climate change. Particularly in emerging nations, urban areas are witnessing a swift expansion of their quotecological footprintquot as natural resources are exploited. newlineIn this dynamic scenario, water resources are becoming increasingly scarce, placing cities under growing pressure to ensure sustainable water services. While many urban water systems were initially designed with a focus on hygiene and operational efficiency, the imperative of integrating sustainability principles into these systems has become more pronounced. The question arises: Are Urban Water Systems (UWS) truly sustainable? Answering this question is pivotal for the development of liveable communities in the future. However, quantifying sustainability presents inherent challenges. Therefore, it becomes imperative to construct an integrated framework that facilitates a comprehensive examination of the entire urban water cycle. newlineCentral to this new paradigm for urban water decision-making is the concept of integrated sustainability evaluation. The evolution of governance in the water management sector is notably influenced by the principles of sustainability and resource conservation. Recognizing the need for a holistic approach, there is a growing emphasis on embracing sustainability as a driving force behind governance improvements in urban water management. This shift underscores the importance of not only meeting immediate water needs but also ensuring the long-term resilience and sustainability of urban water systems in the face of dynamic and challenging global changes. newlineThe current research endeavours to implement an Integrated Urban Water Management system while focusing on the objectives of urban water resource planning, utilizing Gwalior as a case study. newline