Bridging Traditions and Futures: Integrating Traditional Water Systems for Sustainable Urban Water Management in Chennai

This research investigates the integration of Traditional Water Systems (TWS) into Chennai’s contemporary urban infrastructure to address persistent water management challenges, including periodic flooding and acute water shortages. Grounded in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), this study aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, emphasising sustainability and discussing the applicability of indigenous systems at a pan-India level. Utilising a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach that studied previously conducted empirical studies on the comparison of historic and contemporary records of Chennai’s topographical, urban and hydrological data as secondary data analysis, the research identifies Chennai’s flood-prone areas through flood mapping. It assesses historical TWS, such as Eris (tanks) and Kulams (ponds), to evaluate their relevance in modern urban planning. A tabular analysis of Pan-Indian TWS and Chennai’s existing water infrastructure provides insights into the effectiveness of traditional models in contemporary water conservation. The study establishes a strong correlation between TWS and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By proposing strategies to revive and integrate TWS into Chennai’s urban framework, the research underscores their potential benefits—enhanced groundwater recharge, stormwater management, and climate resilience. The findings advocate for policy interventions and urban design strategies that harmonise traditional ecological wisdom with modern infrastructure, offering a sustainable and context-specific approach to urban water management in Chennai and beyond.