As the world prepares for the Conference of the Parties (COP29), the importance of urban water bodies in mitigating climate change is gaining more attention. Urban water bodies—lakes, ponds, and reservoirs—are critical for sustaining life and maintaining ecological balance. Without them, communities would face severe challenges like water shortages, biodiversity loss, and increased vulnerability to climate disasters. A recent study revealed that over 50% of the largest lakes and reservoirs globally have shrunk over the past three decades, largely due to climate change and human activities. Urgent restoration efforts are essential—not only to safeguard water security and biodiversity but also to foster social capital, as restored water bodies strengthen community ties and create shared spaces, contributing to the long-term sustainability of these vital ecosystems.
The Vital Role of Urban Water Bodies in Ecological and Community Well-Being
Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are essential ecological assets that support urban landscapes worldwide. They provide natural drainage, recharge groundwater, and serve as habitats for diverse flora and fauna. These water bodies act as protective barriers against flooding, absorbing excess rainfall that could overwhelm urban infrastructure during monsoon seasons. They also help maintain groundwater levels, crucial in regions where groundwater is the primary source of potable water. The UN estimates that by 2030, nearly half of the world’s population could live in high water-stressed areas, with cities like Bengaluru and Delhi already on the brink of exhausting their groundwater, directly affecting millions of people’s access to drinking water.
Beyond ecological benefits, urban water bodies contribute to public health and social well-being. They naturally filter pollutants and improve air quality, while surrounding vegetation lowers urban temperatures, providing relief from rising global temperatures and urban heat islands. Furthermore, accessible green and blue spaces promote recreational activities, enhancing physical health, mental well-being, and social cohesion within communities.
One of the most significant aspects of urban water bodies is their role in supporting biodiversity. These ecosystems provide critical habitats for various species, including birds, fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants. Healthy water bodies foster diverse communities of organisms that contribute to the overall resilience of urban ecosystems. However, the degradation or disappearance of these water bodies disrupts local ecosystems, leading to declining biodiversity and the loss of vital habitats. The alarming decline of freshwater species populations—an 84% drop since 1970, as reported by the World Wildlife Fund—demonstrates the urgent need to protect these natural assets. The loss of biodiversity not only threatens individual species but also undermines the ecological functions that urban water bodies provide. A rich diversity of species enhances ecosystem resilience, enabling urban water bodies to filter pollutants, regulate temperatures, and buffer against extreme weather events. Conversely, the strain on these habitats due to pollution, encroachment, and unplanned urbanization increases the risk of public health crises and also threatens food production, as agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater use.
The decline in biodiversity within urban water bodies has extensive impacts. For example, aquatic plants that play an essential role in oxygenating water and supporting food chains are often severely affected by pollution and encroachment. When pollution limits aquatic plant growth, the habitat and food supply for species such as fish and amphibians decrease, leading to a cascade of population declines.
Furthermore, urban water bodies act as natural buffers against environmental stressors; their diverse species contribute to resilience by filling various ecological niches. When species decline, these water bodies lose their capacity to regulate pollutants, control temperatures, and facilitate water purification processes, undermining their ability to serve as ecological assets.
Biodiversity loss also reduces urban water bodies’ capacity to adapt to climate change. As species like aquatic plants decline, these ecosystems lose some ability to sequester carbon, which exacerbates climate change impacts.
Recognizing this growing crisis, SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society), an organization with nearly 30 years of experience in disaster recovery and resilience, has been at the forefront of rejuvenating water bodies through its SURGE (SEEDS Urban Resilience, Governance and Enablement) initiative. SEEDS’ work focuses on restoring the ecological health of these water systems through nature-based solutions, addressing issues of pollution, encroachment, and biodiversity loss, while promoting community involvement and sustainable management practices.
Nature-based solutions are increasingly recognized as effective strategies in cities to improve resilience. They can act as sponges during urban flooding and help recharge groundwater.
Bengaluru Peri-Urban Lakes: A Struggle for Survival
Bengaluru’s lakes, once integral to its water system, have lost over 65% of their interconnectivity due to rapid urban growth, pollution, and encroachment, which has intensified flooding, reduced groundwater recharge, and significantly impacted local biodiversity. In 2023, SEEDS launched a project under the SURGE initiative to restore two key peri-urban lakes, M.K. Halli and Huvinayakanahalli. SEEDS worked to reconnect these lakes to the natural drainage system, addressing water quality and enhancing groundwater recharge. Interventions included strengthening feeder channels to improve rainwater inflow and creating floating treatment wetlands, which increased water quality by 40% and reestablished habitats for aquatic species. Waste management systems reduced plastic pollution by 75%, creating a healthier ecosystem around the lakes. These efforts boosted the local agriculture sector, with farmers seeing a 25% rise in income due to improved water availability, while groundwater recharge increased by 50%, alleviating the need for deeper extraction.
Beyond Bengaluru, SEEDS has been tackling the complex issue of water body restoration in various cities, including an ambitious project in Delhi to revive one of its oldest reservoirs.
Hauz I Shamsi: Reviving Delhi’s Historic Water Body
Delhi’s ancient Hauz I Shamsi reservoir, built in 1230 CE, was once a lifeline for the city but had become severely polluted and encroached upon over centuries. SEEDS initiated its restoration under the SURGE initiative in 2021 to revive its ecological and historical value. Nature-based solutions, such as floating treatment wetlands, solar-powered aerators, and strategically placed air-pollution-tolerant plants, were introduced to enhance water quality and biodiversity. The floating treatment wetlands served as a natural filtration system, and introducing fish and snails helped balance the ecosystem. SEEDS also planted ornamental and native trees to improve air quality and boost the aesthetic appeal of the area. Today, the rejuvenated Hauz I Shamsi stands as a testament to resilience, reflecting both ecological health and cultural heritage, offering a refreshed green space for the community.
Similar initiatives were carried out in Gurugram, where rapid urbanization left lakes and green spaces in dire need of restoration.
Restoring Wazirabad Lake: Reviving Gurugram’s Green and Blue Spaces
Gurugram’s Wazirabad Lake, also known as Saraswati Kunj, was a vibrant water source which had been heavily polluted by untreated sewage and was encroached upon by expanding infrastructure, which blocked natural outflows and caused flooding. In response, SEEDS took on the restoration of the lake to revive biodiversity and provide natural flood control by managing excess water from the Aravali hills. Getting Resident Welfare Associations involved as key stakeholders has been crucial to the project’s success. Surrounding the lake, SEEDS developed Lake View Park, incorporating jogging trails, open gyms, children’s play areas, and reflexology courts. These additions transformed Wazirabad Lake into a recreational hub, building social capital and encouraging community involvement. The park’s features not only enhance the area’s natural beauty but also foster collective ownership, which is essential to the lake’s long-term maintenance and sustainability. This initiative has revitalized green spaces and created a model for sustainable urban development in Gurugram.
Revitalizing Jharsa Pond: A Community-Driven Transformation in Gurugram
Gurugram’s Jharsa Pond, previously a neglected dumping ground, had become a hazard, breeding pests and posing health risks to nearby residents. SEEDS’ project aimed to restore the pond’s ecological integrity, focusing on cleaning, fencing, and establishing a buffer against encroachment. To prevent further pollution, the project introduced waste management measures and cleared debris and construction waste. SEEDS also developed a four-meter-wide track around the pond, making it accessible for jogging and cycling while native vegetation was planted to boost local biodiversity. Signages and interaction areas encourage community engagement, and the transformed pond now provides a healthier environment for residents and local wildlife. Jharsa Pond has become a valued community asset, showcasing the positive impact of collaborative ecological restoration.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, it’s clear that addressing the environmental challenges posed by rapid urbanization requires innovative, community-driven solutions. SEEDS’ work in restoring urban water bodies not only revitalizes ecosystems thus protecting precious biodiversity but also reinforces social capital, which is essential for sustainable development. Each restoration project demonstrates how community engagement in nature-based interventions can mitigate the impacts of floods, droughts, and pollution while enhancing livelihoods and biodiversity. As global conversations continue around climate action, initiatives like these play a crucial role in shaping sustainable urban futures, showcasing how local efforts can have a global impact in the fight against climate change.
This Article is authored by Rangeet Mitra , Programme Manager Technical Solutions,
Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS)