Lucknow: Make it mandatory to have open spaces for every five buildings, rejuvenate water bodies, and interlink them if possible to address issues like urban heat islands (UHIs) and urban flooding (waterlogging), which Lucknow is also facing. These were the suggestions given by experts at the 72nd National Town and Country Planners Conference on Saturday.
These would create a greener and cooler city by preserving parks and recreational areas, said experts at the ongoing meet in the city.
During a panel discussion, experts said UHIs occur when urban areas become much hotter than the surrounding rural areas due to the heat-absorbing nature of buildings and infrastructure.
Rajneesh Sareen, director of the Centre of Science, emphasized the importance of having 10 square metres of open space per person, as recommended by the World Bank, to mitigate the UHI effect. He said research indicates that urban green spaces (UGSs) play a crucial role in combating UHIs.
Dr. Rutul Joshi, an architect and urban planner, said that implementing these measures can make Lucknow a more sustainable and liveable city, improving air quality, public health, and the overall urban environment.
To address urban flooding, VP Kulshrestha, general secretary of the Institute of Town Planners India, suggested upgrading drainage infrastructure. This includes expanding storm drains, revitalizing natural streams, and implementing decentralized storage solutions like retention ponds and green roofs.
“Involving the community through awareness campaigns and local flood mitigation plans can help Lucknow build a future free from waterlogging issues,” he added.
These would create a greener and cooler city by preserving parks and recreational areas, said experts at the ongoing meet in the city.
During a panel discussion, experts said UHIs occur when urban areas become much hotter than the surrounding rural areas due to the heat-absorbing nature of buildings and infrastructure.
Rajneesh Sareen, director of the Centre of Science, emphasized the importance of having 10 square metres of open space per person, as recommended by the World Bank, to mitigate the UHI effect. He said research indicates that urban green spaces (UGSs) play a crucial role in combating UHIs.
Dr. Rutul Joshi, an architect and urban planner, said that implementing these measures can make Lucknow a more sustainable and liveable city, improving air quality, public health, and the overall urban environment.
To address urban flooding, VP Kulshrestha, general secretary of the Institute of Town Planners India, suggested upgrading drainage infrastructure. This includes expanding storm drains, revitalizing natural streams, and implementing decentralized storage solutions like retention ponds and green roofs.
“Involving the community through awareness campaigns and local flood mitigation plans can help Lucknow build a future free from waterlogging issues,” he added.