completed· WASH· Health

Climate Adaptive Water Management Plans for Cities in South Asia

This project will address the threat of extreme water insecurity, or reduced access to water, in South Asia's cities. The changing climate and rapid urbanization have increased the risks, and local governments have been unable to find solutions. Water realities and risks South Asia has experienced changes in rainfall patterns, with fewer rainy days and longer dry spells. The problem is threatening the watersheds that supply essential water to cities and peri-urban areas on the outskirts of cities. Rapid urbanization - marked by more informal settlements, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and urban poverty - is further compounding the issue. These fast-growing cities are therefore more vulnerable to extreme weather events. They face a range of short-term and long-term consequences to human health, physical infrastructure, and local economic development. Local governments need plans Many local governments have not been able to address these challenges. They lack climate-specific city action plans and adaptation strategies. This project will address the gap and provide the support they need. The project aims to: -investigate urban water insecurity under changing climates in four small- to medium-sized cities in north India and Nepal -identify a variety of city-specific adaptation strategies -propose governance and planning strategies for cities to adapt their management of urban water systems -identify specific entry points for piloting and up-scaling recommended adaptation solutions The project team will develop and pilot test climate adaptive water management strategies specific to each of the four cities. They will also: -produce scientific, peer-reviewed publications on the governance of urban water systems -conduct an economic analysis of climate adaptive water management options -propose strategies for gender sensitive approaches to urban water management They will share the results with local communities, development practitioners, and decision-makers.