ABSTRACT
Water bodies play an important role in shaping the environmental, social and economic aspects of communities in an urban setting. Recent rapid urbanization and population growth has resulted in enormous degradation of such natural resources. Unchecked encroachment and pollution are continuously threatening the ecosystem services provided by these water bodies. Mullassery Canal, a tidal canal that flows through the city of Kochi in Kerala, India is one such example. This paper attempts to establish a framework for rejuvenation of urban water bodies for sustainable city development. First section of the paper explores various methods employed for improving deteriorated water bodies through various case examples. The second section lists out factors instrumental in restoration of the canal and prioritizes the first course of action through AHP. Subsequently, the evaluation and identification of the most vulnerable segment of the canal is performed through field study, interviews and visual analysis so as to begin the restoration process with that segment. The last section illustrates the reclamation and rejuvenation process through daylighting/de-culverting and the design interventions involving Low Impact Development (LID). The results indicate the suitability of employing daylighting process in addressing the most pressing concerns regarding the restoration of the canal. The proposed interventions are also instrumental in enhancing the environmental, social and economic qualities of the area.
