Urban blue infrastructure—comprising lakes, rivers, canals, and wetlands—plays an essential role in sustaining water resources and enhancing climate resilience in rapidly urbanizing regions. Indian cities, however, face mounting water scarcity and recurrent flooding due to the degradation, encroachment, and fragmentation of their water bodies. This study undertakes a comparative assessment of blue infrastructure dynamics in three major Indian cities—Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi—to examine how variations in urbanization patterns, governance structures, and hydrological conditions influence water insecurity. Using geospatial analysis and a review of planning and policy frameworks, the study identifies substantial declines in water spread areas, weakened ecological functions, and governance fragmentation as key drivers of water-related risks. Findings show that Chennai exhibits the highest vulnerability due to drastic contraction of water bodies and monsoon-dependent hydrology; Bengaluru demonstrates significant loss of lake networks despite retaining comparatively higher storage potential; while Delhi’s challenges stem primarily from pollution, groundwater depletion, and institutional overlap. The study highlights the need for coherent regulatory frameworks, strengthened interagency coordination, and city-specific strategies that integrate blue infrastructure within formal urban planning systems. The implications emphasize that revitalizing urban water bodies is critical for enhancing long-term climate resilience and water security in Indian metropolitan regions.
Tazyeen Alam (Thu,) studied this question.