In the bustling city of Pune, where modern skyscrapers stand tall against the backdrop of historic landmarks, a forgotten water management system is making a comeback in the spotlight. The Peshwa Nahar system, an 18th-century aqueduct network, is being revisited by researchers like Radhika Mulay, who argue that this ancient infrastructure holds valuable lessons for today’s urban water challenges.
Published in the latest issue of ‘Blue Papers’ (translated to English as ‘Blue Papers’), Mulay’s research delves into the Peshwa-period nahar system, exploring its potential to inform future water management strategies. The study is part of the 2023 professional education course, Water Systems Design: Learning from the Past to Design Resilient Water Futures, and employs the value case methodology and the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to highlight ecosystem-based thinking reflecting traditional knowledge systems.
The Peshwa Nahar system, once a lifeline for the city, is a testament to sustainable water management. “This system was not just about moving water from point A to point B,” explains Mulay. “It was about integrating ecological and sociocultural values into infrastructure planning. It’s a holistic approach that we seem to have lost in our modern, technocratic solutions.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As cities across India grapple with water scarcity and aging infrastructure, the Peshwa Nahar system offers a blueprint for sustainable water management. “We’re not suggesting a return to the past,” clarifies Mulay. “But there’s a lot we can learn from the past to design resilient water futures.”
The research highlights the importance of ecosystem-based thinking, a concept that aligns with the UN SDGs. By integrating ecological and sociocultural values into infrastructure planning, cities can create more sustainable and resilient water management systems. This approach could not only improve water security but also enhance the livability of cities, making them more attractive to residents and businesses alike.
As India’s Smart Cities program continues to gain momentum, the Peshwa Nahar system offers a valuable case study. “It’s about finding a balance between modern technology and traditional knowledge,” says Mulay. “It’s about creating smart systems that are not just technologically advanced but also socially and environmentally sustainable.”
In a world grappling with climate change and resource scarcity, the lessons from the Peshwa Nahar system are more relevant than ever. As Mulay’s research shows, the past holds valuable insights for the future, offering a sustainable path forward for urban water management.