BEIJING, August 28 (INP): Adopting China’s sponge city model in major cities of Pakistan may reduce urban flooding by 90%, and this may also help to absorb carbon dioxide, increase animal and plant life and expand green spaces.
The sponge city model aims to use previous pavements, rain gardens, green roofs, urban wetlands, and other innovations to absorb water during storms. The soil then purifies that water and gradually releases it – much like a sponge.

Faced with worsening urban floods, cities in China are embracing nature and building what is termed “sponge cities.” Instead of relying on the “grey infrastructure” of levees, pipes, dams and channels, sponge cities allow urban areas to absorb water in times of high rainfall and release it in times of drought.
The 34-hectare “Qunli storm water park” in the city of Harbin in northern China is one example of a successful sponge city. 

It collects, cleanses and stores stormwater, while also protecting the native natural habitat and providing a beautiful green public space for recreational use.
The government of Pakistan in the past adopted various strategies to avoid urban flooding including the installation of a rainwater harvesting system and the construction of large underground water tanks.

Credit:Independent News Pakistan-INP