Srinagar, June 15 -- Cities around the world are rediscovering a lesson they once ignored.

Streams buried beneath roads are being uncovered, while wetlands drained for construction are being restored.

Urban planners in countries such as South Korea, the United States and the United Kingdom are investing heavily in reviving natural water systems that earlier generations sacrificed in the name of development.

Seoul's Cheonggyecheon stream is perhaps the best-known example.

Once covered by concrete and an elevated highway, it was restored and turned into a functioning water corridor. Similar efforts are underway elsewhere as governments confront rising temperatures, water stress and the limits of engineering solutions alone.

Kashmir sho...