2024 Reports

Transformative Adaptation: The Case of Jodhpur, India

Madapala, Jeevan; Kanji, Repaul

Although established near the Thar desert in a semi-arid region, Jodhpur flourished because of its indigenous water culture – an amazing and intricate network of water bodies which was the cornerstone of the communities. However, as is the story of any urban centre, un-informed development forced Jodhpur to move to a state of fragility. The water culture is withering away; the water bodies are not being used and hence the ground water level has risen dangerously leading to urban floods. These water bodies, if preserved, could have been tools for climate action as well, but unfortunately the trajectory of development of the city bypasses the historic and time-tested water culture of Jodhpur.
This body of work sheds light on a plausible approach towards risk-informed development which stresses on bottom-up approach with inclusiveness.