Nature-Based Solutions Could Boost Chennai & Mangaluru’s Green Cover by Over 75%

The study, titled “Urban Greenprints: A Nature-based Solutions Feasibility Framework for Urban Coastal Regions”, was released by Bengaluru-based think tank Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). It analyzed the cities’ vulnerability to flooding, sea level rise (SLR), and extreme weather, citing the urgent need for sustainable urban planning.

Why It Matters:

Once lush with green spaces, both cities have suffered massive green cover loss and rampant encroachments on water bodies. Grey infrastructure like storm drains and embankments is proving insufficient as climate risks escalate.

Key Findings:

• Chennai: Analysed 23 wards over 64.35 sq km

Mangaluru: Studied 4 wards spanning 15.75 sq km

NbS potential: Rooftop gardens alone can boost green areas by over 75%

Permeable pavements: Offer a 5% improvement in flood resilience

Water body optimisation: Critical for biodiversity, flood control, and groundwater recharge

Economic Payoff:

• Chennai: Investment of ₹2,203 crore in NbS could prevent ₹505 crore in annual damages, paying off in just over 4 years

Mangaluru: ₹173 crore investment could avoid ₹11.6 crore annually, breaking even by 2027

CSTEP’s Lakshmi Menon stressed that localised pilot projects and community involvement are essential to scale up NbS. The framework serves as a replicable model for other urbanising coastal cities in India.

“As climate risks grow, NbS isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential,” she said.

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