Climate resilience modeling, planning, and designing for Dehradun and Nainital : final report Nainital climate resilient framework plan and concept design

This report was conducted through ADB’s Technical Assistance Special Fund and the Climate Change Fund as a grant-based initiative. It presents findings for Nainital under the Uttarakhand Integrated and Resilient Urban Development Project, based on stakeholder workshops in June 2024 and an earlier assessment from November 2023. The two main deliverables are: - A Climate Resilient Framework Plan - Concept designs and prefeasibility assessment of priority adaptation measures A finalization workshop in October 2024 reviewed these deliverables, incorporating stakeholder feedback into sections on master planning, implementation, and future opportunities. Project objective and scope: The project aims to support Uttarakhand in strengthening climate resilience in Dehradun and Nainital. It addresses current challenges while establishing a long-term strategy for sustainable, water-sensitive economic development. The work included assessing the situation, identifying adaptation measures, creating a strategic framework plan, and demonstrating concepts at two selected locations. The focus is on Nature-based Solutions (NbS), integrated at a conceptual level. Challenges and opportunities: The primary concerns in Nainital are landslides and water security. While the project does not provide a solution for the Balia Nala landslide, it promotes a coordinated approach among government agencies to manage landslide risks in urban planning. These risks are closely linked to stormwater, sewage, road drainage, and infrastructure development. Nature-based solutions: Urban water management has traditionally relied on grey infrastructure, such as drains and flood detention structures, which only address symptoms. With increasing climate challenges and limited urban space, protecting natural systems is critical. NbS, though still evolving in India, builds on Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Water-Sensitive Planning. In Nainital, NbS should be prioritized but may require hybrid solutions that integrate green and grey infrastructure when space constraints exist. Grey infrastructure should be a last resort when green alternatives are not feasible. Climate Resilient Framework Plan: The Urban Framework Plan provides a strategic basis for concept designs, considering three planning scales: - Macro level: Blue-Green network of Nainital - Meso level: Resilient neighborhoods - Micro level: Small-scale interventions Key elements include: - Restricting urban development based on landslide risk zoning while protecting and expanding green spaces. - Improving mobility through Park and Ride (P+R) locations and better public transport. - Enhancing water circularity by reducing demand and promoting rainwater harvesting. Concept design for case study sites: Two case study sites demonstrate the framework plan: 1. Nainital Lake (west hills). 2. Sri Krishnapur settlement (downstream of Nainital Lake). Each site includes a tailored set of NbS adaptation measures for mountainous areas, with costing. Examples include road drainage, gabions in stepped drains, and soil nailing. Lessons learned - insights from Dehradun and Nainital emphasize: 1. Integrating ecosystem-based planning: Developing a Water Management Strategy based on successful Indian cities like Chandigarh, Chennai, and Kochi. 2. Mainstreaming climate change action: Strengthening local monitoring, data collection, and awareness. 3. Community participation: NbS implementation requires involvement from residents and landowners. 4. Increasing local ownership: A city-level champion is needed to coordinate efforts and ensure action. Opportunities and the way forward: 1. Identifying a city champion for NbS planning and implementation. 2. Promoting NbS during Nainital’s planning week to engage engineers, planners, and decision-makers. 3. Using the framework plan to guide zoning and urban development. 4. Ensuring early involvement of relevant actors in urban planning. 5. Developing NbS strategies for other mountain cities in India. Recommendations: 1. Strengthening regulations to limit expansion in landslide-prone areas. 2. Enhancing resilience of existing infrastructure through mapping and prioritization. 3. Using expansions in Bhimtal and Khurpatal to develop climate-resilient districts. 4. Valuing water by separating rainwater from sewage, improving wastewater treatment, and reducing consumption.