IDENTIFICATION AND SELECTION OF SUITABLE RAINWATER HARVESTING SITES USING LIDAR TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Chandigarh was the first planned city in India, after independence intended as city structure on principles of rationality, orderliness, and social improvement planned by Le Corbusier. Designed initially for 5 lakh population, the city has exploded, crossing 18 lakhs population that lives in Tricity. The fact that explosive population growth that was intended and what has reached now, along with ―Indianized‖ modifications adapted by the city calls for re-envisioning. The amenities that were designed for a small chunk are now struggling to suffice the needs of public, waning off its public intend. The aim of this academic thesis is outlined to relook into the possibility of rainwater harvesting in Corbusier’s Chandigarh plan and ramification of its urban form, to make the city self-sufficient and resilient for all kinds of amenities and facilities. The study of geo-physical layers, current and proposed facilities, and potential of rainwater harvesting (surface and rooftop) in developing water resilience in the city. The study has been based on the usage of LIDAR technology for understanding the layers for better accuracy and fastest route. The study concludes unravelling innovative pit designs, materials and technology usage in identifying best location of RWH pits in a city.