SITE PLANNING AND LANDSCAPE ENGINEERING-II

GANGA INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE AND TOWN PLANNING

KABLANA, H.R., INDIA.

Submitted by:-
Deepti Chauhan
2 sem 1yr
Explain in details about the techniques to protect natural water bodies?

Water is a finite resource and the supplies on Earth today are no more than what was there at the beginning of
the planet. We should manage and utilise our water resources wisely simply by making small changes and
making water conservation a part of our daily routine. Saving water translate into saving energy and money.
Increasing population, rising standards of living and rapid growth of industry and urbanisation are stressing
water resources particularly our rivers that are getting polluted. Rivers are our lifelines, and integral part of our
civilisation . Many Indian rivers, including Ganga over several stretches have become unfit even for bathing
during lean season. River catchments and banks should have plantation and should have a minimum flow
even during lean season. Practice of dumping of wastes in the river has to cease for the health of the river.

Rivers and lakes are valuable features of our natural landscape in addition to being valuable sources of water.
These water bodies enhance the aesthetics of the landscape, offer us space for recreational activities, provide
homes for flora and fauna and also influence microclimate.

The water sources across the country are fast becoming exhausted and polluted. Today, around 40 percent of
rivers are too contaminated for fishing and swimming, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. If
people fail to act now, water shortages could be a fact of life a short decade from now.

By simply implementing a few sustainability initiatives to conserve water and prevent pollution, businesses
have the power to ensure water sources will remain clean and secure in their area. There are several ways
companies in every industry can get involved.

Cleaning Products

Antibacterial soaps and some cleaning products contain triclosan, a pesticide that harms aquatic life and may
lead to the development of antibiotic resistant superbugs. A simple switch to products that do not contain the
chemical, such as regular soap, keeps bacteria under control without presenting a risk to water supplies.

Storm Drains

Storm drains should only be used for water and never for getting rid of other liquids like motor oil, detergent,
paint, chemical cleaners, fertilizer, or pesticides. In many cities, stormwater is incorporated into local
waterways, so it really is extra important to keep it uncontaminated.

Paving

Keeping paving to a minimum enables water to soak into the ground, diluting contaminants that would
otherwise end up in stormwater. At the same time, this reduces the risk of flooding and improves ground water
supplies. Businesses can also reduce their use of water by sweeping paved areas clean instead of using a
hose.

Fleet and Vehicles

Company vehicles and fleets should have leaks repaired immediately to stop oil and other liquids entering
storm drains.

Appliances
Appliances that use water in the workplace should be water-efficient — dual-flush toilets, for example, where
there is less use of water to flush urine.

Plants

Native and drought-resistant plants require the least watering and can significantly reduce water use for a
company’s landscape.

Pesticides and Fertilizers

Pesticides and chemical fertilizers pollute surface water and ground water, presenting a health risk for
employees and residents alike.

Cigarette Butts

Smoking areas should include a cigarette receptacle to dissuade employees from dropping cigarette butts on
the ground, where they may be washed into storm drains.

Informing Others

Employers can make an even bigger impact by teaching staff about sustainability initiatives that workers can
enact in their own homes. In addition to variations on the above, employees can do the following:

 Never flush medicine down the toilet or drain. If the city has a pharmaceutical collection
program, employers should provide staff with this information. Alternatively, it is possible to destroy pills
in a bottle using water or vinegar.

 Picking up after pets avoids waste-contaminating stormwater.

 Non-toxic household products reduce the amount of chemicals being released into water
supplies.

 Installing a low-flow shower head and cutting the length of showers can reduce water use every
day.

For businesses already working on other sustainability initiatives, expanding to water conservation and
protection is a great opportunity to make an impact on the local environment. These few simple steps can help
ensure that residents and workers in the area continue to have access to a sufficient amount of clean water for
years to come.