Discuss The Sustainable Development Practices Of Indus

Valley Civilization In The Area Of Urban Planning, Water

Management, And Environmental Consciousness? (10
Marks, 150 Words)
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Answer:

Approach:
Introduction: Write briefly about Indus Valley Civilization.
Body:
Mention lessons that can be derived in areas of urban planning.
Mention lessons that can be derived in areas of water management.
Mention lessons that can be derived in areas of environmental consciousness.
Conclusion: Provide appropriate conclusion.

Introduction:

The Indus Valley Civilization is one of the world’s oldest urban civilizations. It is known for
extensivenplanning, consideration for the environment in planning etc. and offers valuable
lessons for sustainable development practices in modern societies.

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Body:

Lessons that can be derived from Indus Valley Civilisation:

Urban Planning
Efficient Urban Planning: Cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa had well-
organised layouts with citadel and lower town, rectangular grid-like street
patterns, public buildings, and drainage systems. This is often compared with
Lutyens etc.

Prioritise mixed-use development: Planned city of Mohenjo-daro in the Indus

Valley had a highly organised layout, with separate residential, commercial, and
administrative areas.
Sanitation- In Harappa, sewage was disposed of through underground drains
built with precisely laid bricks. The city also had soak pits (cesspit) for faecal
waste management.
Water Management
Water-efficient fixtures: Presence of public wells and sanitation in the ancient
civilization highlights the importance of water conservation and sanitation which
modern societies can emulate.
Sophisticated water management techniques: Construction of elaborate
underground drainage systems, shadoofs, sakias and reservoirs.
Canal network: The civilisation also provides evidence of elaborate canal
network, e.g. in Shortughai in Afghanistan.

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 Environmental Consciousness
Waste Management: The presence of well-designed garbage disposal systems
and separate areas for waste collection and disposal.
Promoted healthy and sustainable environment: Archaeological evidence
suggests that they practised tree plantation, as indicated by the presence of tree
groves near their settlements.

Conclusion:

By incorporating these lessons from the Indus Valley Civilization, modern societies can strive
for sustainable development, ensuring the well-being of current and future generations while
preserving and protecting the environment, and heading towards SDG goals.

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