Creating Green Spaces: SEEDS’ Impact on Urban Biodiversity and Resilience through Water Body Restoration
By Arijit Das, Regional Director, SEEDS)
Water bodies are vital components of urban ecosystems, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond their aesthetic value. They serve as critical habitats for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species, thus enhancing urban biodiversity. Water bodies also play a significant role in regulating the urban microclimate, reducing the heat island effect prevalent in cities. Moreover, they are essential for hydrological balance, facilitating groundwater recharge and surface water flow, and acting as natural filters that purify water by breaking down pollutants.
The Decline of Water Bodies in India
As India continues to develop and urbanise, its water bodies are increasingly becoming contaminated. It is believed that approximately 70% of the surface water in India is not safe for consumption. Daily, about 40 million litres of wastewater discharge into rivers and other bodies of water, with only a small portion being properly treated.
Further research suggests that locations downstream from contaminated water sources in India experience a nine percent decline in agricultural revenues and a 16 percent decrease in agricultural yields.
West Bengal: A Case Study in Resilience
West Bengal has been proactive in preserving its natural water bodies through a combination of government initiatives, community participation, and technological interventions. The state’s efforts are particularly focused on wetland conservation, rainwater harvesting, and the enhancement of water quality and availability.
One significant initiative is the “Jal Dharo-Jal Bharo” programme, launched in 2011-12, which focuses on large-scale rainwater harvesting and the creation of minor irrigation structures to improve and sustain water resources. This programme has led to the creation and renovation of over 314,522 water bodies up to the year 2019-20, significantly enhancing water availability for agriculture and local communities.
In addition to physical water conservation measures, West Bengal has employed the Pressure–State–Response (PSR) model to assess and manage the health of its wetland ecosystems. This model helps in monitoring changes and implementing strategies based on environmental pressure, the state of the ecosystem, and the response actions needed to maintain or improve the health of these areas. Studies like those conducted in the Murshidabad district have shown a detailed approach to evaluating and responding to the ecological challenges faced by these vital water bodies.
Furthermore, the Department of Water Resources Investigation & Development has been instrumental in implementing these initiatives, ensuring that various types of minor irrigation schemes utilise both groundwater and surface water resources effectively. Their efforts have not only focused on water conservation but also on promoting agricultural and pisciculture activities, thereby supporting the local economy.
These multifaceted efforts demonstrate West Bengal’s commitment to maintaining its natural water resources sustainably, ensuring that these vital ecosystems continue to support biodiversity, agriculture, and local communities well into the future.
SEEDS’ Contribution to Water Body Restoration
● Transforming North Bangalore’s Peri-Urban Landscapes
One of notable projects of Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS’) involves the restoration of Huvinayakanahalli Lake in North Bangalore. This area, characterised by rapid urban expansion, witnessed significant ecological degradation. SEEDS, in collaboration with local partners, undertook the restoration of this lake to preserve groundwater levels and sustain local biodiversity.
Key interventions included unblocking the lake’s drainage channels, desilting, and implementing wetland plantations. These efforts not only improved the lake’s water retention capacity but also restored its role as a critical ecosystem supporting local wildlife and communities. Through community engagement, SEEDS empowered local residents, particularly farmers, enhancing their livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship.
● Wazirabad Lake Restoration: Implementing Nature-Based Solutions
Another significant initiative by SEEDS was the restoration of Wazirabad Lake in Gurugram. This project addressed urban flooding and pollution by rehabilitating the lake into a vibrant recreational and ecological space. The restoration involved bioremediation techniques to improve water quality and the construction of ‘Lake View Park’. This park includes amenities such as a jogging track, children’s play area, and an open gym, transforming the area into a green haven for the community.
The impact of this project was immediate—enhanced green spaces helped absorb excess rainwater, preventing flooding, while cleaner water channels improved the overall health of the ecosystem. This project not only revitalised the lake but also provided a model for sustainable urban development.
● Transforming Jharsa Pond
In response to the changing climate, SEEDS, under its national sustainability and community resilience strategy, aims to revive wetlands with historic and cultural significance. The SEEDS Urban Resilience, Governance & Enablement (SURGE) Initiative has made strides in protecting three key water bodies in Delhi, recognising these wetlands as crucial carbon sinks that support surrounding communities. In Jharsa, SEEDS collaborates with local partners to maintain a 2.47-acre intervention area, including a one-acre pond. With active involvement from seven Resident Welfare Associations, benefiting 657 residents, the initiative has transformed the once neglected Jharsa Pond into a clean, vibrant space. Residents now enjoy it as a picnic spot, expressing immense gratitude to SEEDS for rejuvenating their environment. Virender Tyagi, RWA President of Sector-47, Gurugram, says, “The Jharsa Pond was very dirty earlier, and waste dumping was common. With SEEDS’ support, it’s now a clean, HEAVEN-like place and a popular picnic spot. Residents are immensely happy and grateful for this transformation.”
● Reviving Haus I Shamsi
Haus I Shamsi, situated in the now urban expanse of modern Mehrauli, is an 800-year-old waterbody that faced encroachment due to centuries of neglect. SEEDS embarked on a mission to restore wetlands of historic and cultural significance under its national sustainability and community resilience strategy. Since 2021, SEEDS has conducted detailed assessments and initiated projects to unclog inlets and outlets, clean duckweed and hyacinth, and manage solid waste. With 25 bio-islands installed to revive aquatic life, the waterbody is gradually transforming into a thriving habitat, attracting birds to nest. This project exemplifies SEEDS’ commitment to preserving wetlands as vital carbon sinks and supporting surrounding communities.
