Pairing mega events and hydrological systems for urban sustainability : strategy framework for Delhi beyond the Commonwealth Games 2010

Abstract

(cont.) initiate a process by which the city learns to seize opportunities through benign and sustainable change. Furthermore, this thesis intends to inform decision makers with a checklist of crucial tradeoffs, risks and benefits involved in incorporating water systems as a strategy framework. Eventually, the thesis argues that CWG 2010 organizers cannot ignore the crucial nature or threats posed by the neglect of Delhi's Water Systems. It proves that CWG 2010 organizers can benefit from the inherent utility offered by Delhi's Water Systems. Finally, it demonstrates that Delhi's hydrological systems allow an advantageous compatibility of the CWG's short-term objectives and the city's long-term objectives.

This thesis studies the inter-influence of urban hydrological systems and mega congregative events, as basis for urban strategy for sustainability. It questions how structuring the Commonwealth Games 2010 around Delhi's stream networks and the Yamuna River front create a more sustainable city. Millennia of continuous urban settlement have evolved hydraulic networks that allow extensive human control of Delhi's hydrological complex. This hierarchical system of water retaining, diverting and flood control structures made large populations possible in an otherwise arid landscape. Delhi's topography and this network of streams, lakes, step wells, canals and the Yamuna River determined the size and shape of successive settlements through critical urban functions, such as defense, transport, drinking water supply, irrigation and flood control. Identifying persistent aspects of this framework can help determine the range and nature of physical effects triggered by the Commonwealth Games. The thesis hypothesizes that strategy frameworks that employ Delhi's hydrological system to frame large, planned events are more likely to be beneficial and sustainable over time. It attempts to identify the utility and crucial nature of Delhi's hydrological system to the success of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2010. I aim to demonstrate the potential of Delhi's hydrological system in informing strategies to pool existing resources and make future investments. The thesis also aims to exploit the opportunity provided by the Games to establish Delhi's hydrological systems as the guiding force of future planning efforts. This entails making the city more self-aware and stimulating an envisioning process. It expects to raise public awareness and debate to