WATER-SENSITIVE URBANISM: Fostering community engagement in the transformation of Kozhikode’s landscape into a sponge city.

In rapidly urbanizing areas, water plays a central role in shaping environments that support the well-being of residents. Effective urban planning and design are essential to facilitate these transformations. Water-sensitive urbanism (WSU) fosters healthier urban environments by promoting efficient water use, improving aesthetics, and creating spaces that connect people with their natural surroundings. It is crucial to examine existing local practices, identify barriers to engagement, and propose methods to enhance public involvement in urban initiatives. In India, urban development often remains informal and unplanned, hindering the implementation of water-sensitive practices. Kozhikode, a city in Kerala, exemplifies this issue; it has experienced significant population growth, becoming the largest urban agglomeration in the state. However, rapid urbanization has neglected vital waterways like the Canoli Canal, which has deteriorated due to pollution from urban runoff. A research question that guides the thesis is ‘‘How can the design of public spaces in Kozhikode be optimized for water retention and biodiversity enhancement?’’. This thesis explores the concept of revitalizing the focus area adjacent to Canoli Canal as a part of a broader initiative to promote water-sensitive development in Kozhikode. The project aims to transform the canal into a multifunctional urban space that enhances water management, biodiversity, and community engagement. The research emphasizes the significance of ecological infrastructure and community participation in the creation of “sponge cities,” which leverage green and blue interventions to efficiently manage stormwater. This strategy aims to enhance water retention, mitigate flooding, and improve urban settings through features such as rain gardens, terraced swales, wetlands, and permeable surfaces. By engaging local stakeholders, this study seeks to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards urban water management. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative interviews with quantitative analyses of existing water management systems, this research will draw lessons from successful sponge city implementations in other regions. The findings are expected to also enhance the recreational spaces for residents, promoting physical health and mental well-being with the water-sensitive interventions. By promoting sustainable water management practices rooted in local participation and tailored solutions, this research aims to improve Kozhikode’s livability while preserving its natural resources for future generations. In conclusion, aligning technical innovations with local needs and aspirations, the outcomes are expected to create a resilient urban environment capable of adapting to future challenges while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.