The IGCS focus area for Sustainable Water Management addressed the sustainable management of coastal infrastructure and inland water resources emphasizing the impacts of climate change. This included modelling climate-induced hazards like storm surges, flooding, and saltwater intrusion, while developing adaptation strategies to strengthen coastal resilience. IGCS research spans surface and groundwater management, evaluating risks to water resources, the robustness of waste management systems and long-term water quality trends, aiming to reduce pollution and enhance biodiversity.
In collaboration with German and Indian institutions, IGCS combined advanced climate and hazard modelling, risk assessment, and eco-based adaptation strategies. Using GIS alongside field measurements, IGCS maps and simulates risks related to sea-level rise and extreme weather events. This multidisciplinary approach enabled comprehensive vulnerability assessments, helping to predict inundation levels and develop sustainable water management strategies across diverse environments.
Research Projects
Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Infrastructure and Adaptation Strategies
The research project assessed the impacts of climate change on India’s coastal infrastructure, to develop a GIS tool to map exposure levels of coastal areas, evaluate vulnerabilities in critical infrastructures and propose effective adaptation strategies. The initiative was supported by a consortium of academic institutions and is part of India’s National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.
Assessment of Water Quality of the Lakes of the Pallikaranai Catchment
The research project evaluated long-term water quality trends before and after monsoon seasons in the Pallikaranai catchment in Chennai. It advocated for enhanced wastewater management, increased treatment facilities, and ecological restoration measures of several lakes affected by pollution. The project was funded by multiple organizations and involves partners from Kiel University and IIT Madras.
Teaching
IGCS Summer School 2021
Water resources faces immense pressures from population growth, urbanization, pollution, and climate change. The UN recognises water security as a critical global crisis in the coming decades. Ensuring sustainable water management is a key UN Sustainable Development Goal. This Summer School focuses on sustainable management of saltwater-freshwater interfaces—unique zones crucial to coastal ecosystems and human populations—by bringing together students from India and Germany to address challenges, understand climate impacts, and explore innovative management approaches for these vital areas.
IGCS Winter School 2021
Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) is a cornerstone of the Blue Economy, vital for the economic growth of communities and regions connected by rivers and coasts. Historically significant for transporting goods, IWT remains an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly mode with high safety and carrying capacity. Current global projects aim to enhance IWT infrastructure, addressing challenges such as channel maintenance and sustainability. This Winter School gathers Indian and German students to explore IWT’s systemic role, sustainability, and smart technology solutions to strengthen this critical sector.
Activities
IGCS Team from Focus Area Water Management, Publishes Paper Linking Rainwater Harvesting and Catchment Water Balance in South India
The team consisting of IGCS Area Coordinator for the Focus Area Water Management, Prof. Dr. Nicola Fohrer, IGCS Alumni Dr. Nariman Mahmoodi and Dr. Chaogui Lei, and PD Dr. Paul D. Wagner from the Department of Hydrological and Water Resource Management at Kiel University, along with former IGCS Area Coordinator Prof. Dr. Balaji Narasimhan from […]
Water Security and Climate Adaptation Conference (WSCA 2023) from Oct 4-7, in Chennai
The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre is inviting delegates to participate in the Water Security and Climate Adaptation Conference (WSCA 2023) taking place from October 4th to 7th, 2023, at IIT Madras in Chennai, India.
Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre Hosts Flood Pollution Workshop
A three-day workshop on the topic of „Flood Pollution Assessment and Impact Knowledge Transfer“ took place at IIT Madras in Chennai from 22nd to 24th of February. The event was co-organized by the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD-Centre) and the Indo-German Centre for Sustainability (IGCS).
Workshop on “Nature-Based Water Management Techniques in Coastal Aquifers” at IIT Madras
IIT Madras, Anna University, and IGCS jointly organize the Workshop on “Nature-Based Water Management Techniques in Coastal Aquifers.” The event will be held at IIT Madras during February 24-25, 2023. Registration for the workshop is now open. Visit the link for more information: http://lnkiy.in/coastal-aquifers-workshop-24Feb-23
Dr. Daniel Rosado, IGCS Post-doc, Visits Chennai India
“Unplanned urbanization can have negative effects on the environment. At the IGCS we investigate how the lakes of Chennai, India, are affected by this uncontrolled urbanization and we look for ways to improve this situation.”
Publications
Research projects are one of IGCS’ supporting pillars and are reflected by numerous workshops, meetings, and project proposals. Cooperation in research projects goes beyond the IGCS partner universities and we regularly work together with various German and Indian institutions.
Reports/Books Chapters
20
Journal Articles
100
Conference Proceedings
63
Media Productions
Podcast Series
The IGCS podcast provides insights into interdisciplinary training, teaching, exchange and research in the area of sustainable development from the perspectives of our Area Coordinators. Hear insights from our experts on topics of sustainability and the role of IGCS for it.
Lab Videos
Immerse yourself in the forefront of scientific research with IGCS Lab Video Series. Our videos feature IGCS scholars and researchers showcasing their focus in their respective scientific fields. Explore our latest playlist to find a wealth of information and inspiration from the academic community.
