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The project was conceived under the Smart Cities Mission, initiate by the Government of India which promotes a holistic urban development approach, integrating infrastructure, sustainability, and community well-being. The 930-acre Rajkot Smart City Masterplan aimed to create a water-sensitive urban network by reimagining three low-lying areas as interconnected waterbodies. These were designed to enhance year-round water retention, flood management, and ecological balance. Atal Sarovar, the largest among them, was transformed into an ecological asset and community space, fostering biodiversity, cultural engagement, and recreation while supporting sustainable water management through integrated drainage systems and treated water reuse.
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Atal Sarovar is bordered by well-connected roads and expansive green spaces, making it a central public and ecological hub. A key component of the plan was the creation of an interconnected water network, where the three waterbodies overflow into an adjacent canal, which eventually discharges into the a nearby major dam, the Nyari Dam. A noteworthy innovation is the integration of tertiary-treated reject water from the nearby Sewage Treatment Plant. This treated water is directed into Atal Sarovar through the stormwater drainage system to optimize its usage while supporting sustainable water management. Flood management standards were based on a 100-year return period to determine the High Flood Level (HFL) and the capacity of outlet structures, ensuring year-round water retention.
The project exemplifies water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) through the integration of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) that mimic natural hydrological processes. These include bioretention cells, permeable pavements, and stormwater filtration systems, which reduce surface runoff, improve groundwater recharge, and mitigate urban heat effects. The introduction of a non-motorized blue-green infrastructure network further strengthens ecological continuity, fosters urban cooling, and encourages low-carbon mobility.
Spanning 0.90 square kilometers, Atal Sarovar’s transformation was informed by comprehensive environmental and hydrological assessments. The design strategy balances natural and geometric aesthetics, incorporating deepening the waterbody, creating embankments, and developing recreational amenities such as theme parks, organic trails, and green spaces. The lake’s strategic connection to other waterbodies via stormwater drains reinforces a cohesive urban water network, strengthening water sustainability and ecological integrity. Beyond its environmental and infrastructural contributions, Atal Sarovar has emerged as a vibrant community space, fostering social interaction, cultural activities, and recreational engagement. The revitalized public realm provides a venue for gatherings, cultural events, and leisure activities, elevating urban livability. Its transformation from a neglected waterbody into a thriving public space has also catalyzed investment and urban development in the region.
Atal Sarovar serves as a model for water-sensitive urban planning, demonstrating how integrating ecological systems with urban infrastructure can create resilient and sustainable cities. The project has contributed to Rajkot Smart City’s recognition, achieving the prestigious Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green City Platinum Rating and reinforcing its position as a benchmark for climate-responsive urban planning.
Atal Sarovar exemplifies visionary urban planning, integrating sustainability, water management, ecology & community spaces, while catalyzing new investments. The revitalized space & recreational amenities encourage social cohesion, foster cultural engagement & provide a venue for cultural events & daily gatherings. Its metamorphosis from a neglected water body to a vibrant urban oasis highlights the potential of water-centric urban design, serving as an inspiring model.
INI Design Studio is an award-winning, multidisciplinary design firm, distinguished by its diverse portfolio & comprehensive array of professional consulting services encompassing Architecture, Engineering, Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Sustainability, Interiors, Research & Art.
INI stands for ideas that are driven by a number of I’s such as Inquiry, Imagination, Innovation, Inspiration, Inclusiveness and many more I’s. But most importantly it stands for Integrated Ideas, referring to the integrated and collaborative nature of our practice and out of the box design ideas.
Our team of 450+ professionals with robust & varied national & international experience, are responsible for successfully integrating cutting edge innovation for energy efficiency and sustainability into the design of all of our projects, improving the quality of life of people by enhancing their access to better housing, healthcare, education, urban environment and infrastructure.
