Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) Design for Flood Mitigation and Groundwater Recharge in Rapidly Urbanizing Smart Cities

Karthik Narayanan, Priya Sharma, Dr. Meera Reddy
Department of Environmental Engineering
L.D. College of Engineering (Ahmedabad)

1. Abstract

Across the globe, urban regions are witnessing unprecedented urbanization rates, resulting in significant growth in impervious surfaces, stormwater runoff, and surface water contamination. Conventional drainage systems have been inadequate in addressing these issues, leading to heightened flood risks, diminished aquifer replenishment, and declining urban water quality. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) offer a comprehensive and nature-based solution for managing stormwater, providing advantages such as flood reduction, improved groundwater replenishment, better water quality, and ecological benefits. This paper explores the theoretical underpinnings, design concepts, and implementation tactics of SUDS in the context of rapidly urbanizing smart cities. The focus is on incorporating smart technologies for real-time monitoring and decision-making, alongside community-driven governance models. By employing an interdisciplinary approach—integrating hydrological modeling, GIS spatial analysis, and case study assessments—we illustrate how SUDS can be optimized to bolster climate resilience and promote sustainable urban development. The findings reveal notable decreases in peak runoff, higher infiltration rates, and improved ecosystem services. The study concludes with suggestions for policy, practice, and future research directions.

2. Keywords

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), Groundwater Recharge, Flood Mitigation, Urban Hydrology, Smart Cities, Climate Resilience, Nature-Based Solutions, GIS, IoT