Sponge Parks: New allies to combat inundation

A water-guzzling sponge is a comforting imagery to carry into a horrendously wet day, especially where one’s neck of the woods is prone to flooding. As an idea, sponge parks evoke curiosity and excitement: Sparing residents the bane of inundation, and at the same time, adding to the groundwater by directing rainwater runoffs into the table. The general concept of sponge parks is to create utility with aesthetic sense.” Sponge parks would require the flexibility of a piece of chamois cloth used for sprucing up automobiles: Shape-shifting; rock-hard when dry, and absorbent and soft at the touch of water. Sneha notes that sponge parks would be able to shift easily between its dual roles as a water-absorbent space and a hangout. It is up to them to make the suggestion, and we will see what is best for the area and give our technical sanction based on that.” Studying the examples Officials of Greater Chennai Corporation engaged in the exercise to have sponge parks made out of existing parks have reportedly been given examples from across the globe to soak in.