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Introduction

  • Urban flooding occurs when an area experiences water accumulation due to heavy rainfall or the overflow of nearby water bodies. This phenomenon leads to temporary displacement of residents, damage to infrastructure, deterioration of water quality, and increased risk of disease outbreaks. In recent years, urban flooding has become a growing concern in India, particularly in major cities.

Body

  • Urbanisation and Encroachment
    • Rapid urbanization has led to city expansion and encroachment on natural water bodies and floodplains. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India’s urban areas expanded by 24.5% from 2011 to 2022, resulting in the loss of natural water absorption areas.
    • Example: In Mumbai, rapid urbanization and population growth have led to encroachment on natural water bodies like wetlands and marshes, exacerbating flood risks.
  • Inadequate Drainage Systems
    • Many Indian cities lack adequate drainage systems to manage heavy rainfall. The Central Water Commission reported that 73% of urban areas faced waterlogging and drainage-related issues in 2022.
    • Example: Chennai experienced severe flooding in 2015, highlighting the inadequacy of its drainage infrastructure.
  • Deforestation and Loss of Natural Water Absorption Areas
    • The loss of green spaces and deforestation reduce the land’s capacity to absorb rainwater. Between 2010 and 2022, India lost 1.8 million hectares of tree cover, according to Global Forest Watch.
    • Example: Bengaluru, once known as the Garden City, has seen significant deforestation and loss of green spaces due to urbanization, increasing its vulnerability to floods.
  • Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events
    • Climate change has resulted in more frequent and intense rainfall events, heightening flood risks. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events in India.
    • Example: The 2019 floods in Kerala, triggered by unusually heavy monsoon rainfall, illustrate the impact of climate change on flood risks.
  • Poor Urban Planning and Land Use Management
    • Inadequate urban planning and unregulated land use can lead to construction in flood-prone areas. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that 66% of Indian cities have areas vulnerable to flooding due to poor planning.
    • Example: Gurugram, in the National Capital Region (NCR), faces recurring flooding issues due to poor urban planning and unchecked construction in low-lying areas and floodplains.

Conclusion

  • Way Forward
    • Integrated Urban Planning and Flood Management
      • Implement comprehensive urban planning that includes flood risk assessments and sustainable infrastructure. The Smart Cities Mission aims to develop 100 smart cities focusing on sustainable urban development, including flood management. Example: Surat has undertaken flood control projects and improved drainage systems to minimize flood risks.
    • Watershed Management
      • Adopt integrated watershed management practices to conserve water resources and reduce soil erosion. The Watershed Development Program in India promotes community-based watershed management. Example: The Kumbharwadi watershed in Maharashtra has improved water availability and reduced flooding through rainwater harvesting and soil conservation.
    • Rainwater Harvesting
      • Promote rainwater harvesting to capture and store rainwater for various uses. Tamil Nadu has implemented successful rainwater harvesting programs, with Chennai mandating these systems for all buildings to address water scarcity and flood concerns.
    • Green Infrastructure and Reforestation
      • Encourage green infrastructure and afforestation to enhance natural water absorption and reduce surface runoff. The Miyawaki forest technique, used in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi, helps create dense, native forests that can mitigate flooding and improve air quality.
    • Flood Early Warning Systems
      • Establish and strengthen flood early warning systems to provide timely alerts to vulnerable communities. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority has implemented early warning systems in flood-prone districts to facilitate early evacuation and minimize loss of life during floods.

In the face of climate change, it is crucial to develop stormwater drainage infrastructure that accounts for new patterns in precipitation. Predictive precipitation modeling can aid in designing adaptive infrastructure and enhancing community resilience against floods.

Legacy Editor Changed status to publish April 4, 2025