Water Landscapes: A Study of Controlled Flooding and Hydrological Patterns to Restore Mumbai’s Resilience Towards an Urban Estuary

 Urban Flooding is now a global issue and Mumbai, India is no exception. Centuries of land reclamation, regulation of water streams with reduction of riparian zones, and rapid urbanization have led to reduced green cover and resulted in the city consistently flooding since 2005. (Gupta, 2009 [1]) This pattern of reclamation in response to the city’s growth hasn’t been without consequences. A 2020 study established that most flood zones are in reclaimed areas since these weren’t developed considering natural dynamic processes of perpetual water flooding, such as high tide conditions or rising sea levels. (Sansare & Mhaske, 2020 [2]) This study aims to conduct an urban-level analysis of the water behavior and urban topology in the city of Mumbai. Using a historical analysis of land transformation with high-risk urban flooding areas, the focus is on a deeper understanding of the natural phenomena of flooding in the context of urban development and green infrastructure. The study draws a connection between naturalized water behavior and flood patterns using physical simulation and GIS analysis to suggest strategies for future adaptation of green infrastructure for high-risk-prone neighborhoods. The focus is on pattern development for hyperlocal water/bioswale systems that support transient water landscapes and social spaces, with limited impact on existing settlements. The hypothesis is centered on landscape design for controlled flooding, taking into consideration topography, existing infrastructure, and traditional water patterns to prevent large-scale disruption and destruction of property, improve the social equity of occupants through public land use, and encourage biodiversity. The study would benefit urban planners, local building authorities, and engineers in implementing design strategies for both existing and potential developments at a building and urban scale.