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Urban flooding is a significant challenge in Kolkata, exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanization. This study evaluates the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to mitigate urban flooding in Kolkata, focusing on two areas: Maheshtala and Rabindra Sarovar Lake. Utilizing the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the research assesses public willingness to pay (WTP) for NBS initiatives, including restoration and conservation of canals of Maheshtala and Rabindra Sarovar Lake, plantation of trees, and rainwater harvesting. Stakeholder interactions with community surveys indicate strong public support for NBS, with 71% in Maheshtala and 60% in Rabindra Sarovar Lake willing to contribute financially for the implantation of the proposed NBS.
A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was conducted to determine the economic viability of the proposed NBS projects. The benefits, calculated from the WTP values, were compared against the implementation and maintenance costs of the NBS initiatives. The CBA results indicate that the total benefits derived from implementing NBS exceed the associated costs for both study sites, demonstrating the economic feasibility of these projects. The positive net present value (NPV) from the CBA supports the argument that investing in NBS provides substantial economic returns alongside environmental and social benefits.
The findings suggest that NBS can offer sustainable and cost-effective flood mitigation, enhancing urban resilience while providing co-benefits such as improved water quality and recreational spaces. The study recommends integrating NBS into urban planning, emphasizing community engagement, and leveraging public-private partnerships to implement and maintain these solutions effectively.
Keywords: Urban Flooding, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), Willingness to Pay (WTP), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Economic Viability, Kolkata, Maheshtala, Rabindra Sarovar Lake, Environmental Economics, Climate Resilience.
