Answer
Urban areas across India are becoming increasingly vulnerable to flooding, a situation worsened by climate change and challenges in urban development. These floods cost lives, damage infrastructure, and disrupting regional economy, ushering the urgent need for effective management and adaptation strategies.

Urban Flooding as an Emerging Climate-Induced Disaster:

• Increased Frequency of Extreme Rainfall Events: Climate change has resulted in more frequent and intense rainfall, overwhelming urban drainage systems.
  For example: In November 2021, Chennai experienced heavy downpours that led to severe flooding, causing significant waterlogging and disruptions.
• Inadequate Urban Planning and Drainage Systems: Many cities lack adequate drainage infrastructure, making them ill-equipped to handle sudden rainfall.
  For example: Insufficient drainage design in Hyderabad has resulted in repeated flooding during monsoon seasons, particularly during the heavy rains of 2020.
• Encroachment on Natural Water Bodies: Urban expansion often encroaches upon lakes and rivers, diminishing their capacity to manage excess water.
  For example: In Bangalore, encroachments on wetlands and lakes have led to significant flooding during the monsoon.
• Impervious Surfaces in Cities: The prevalence of concrete and asphalt roads prevents water absorption, increasing runoff.
• Rising Sea Levels and Storm Surges: Coastal cities face heightened risks from rising sea levels and storm surges, leading to flooding.

Causes of Urban Flooding:

• Rapid Urban Development: Uncontrolled urbanization often leads to inadequate infrastructure to cope with increased rainfall.
  For example: Gurugram has faced severe flooding due to rapid construction without proper drainage systems, leading to significant disruptions during the monsoon.
• Encroachment on Natural Water Bodies: Filling in lakes and rivers for development increases flood risk.
  For example: In Kolkata, the construction on wetlands has worsened flooding conditions during monsoons, particularly affecting the southern parts of the city.
• Inefficient Waste Management Practices: Poor waste disposal can block drainage systems, exacerbating flooding.
• Decrease in Permeable Surfaces: Urban sprawl reduces the area where water can seep into the ground.
• Deforestation Around Urban Peripheries: Loss of vegetation decreases the land’s capacity to absorb rainwater.
  For example: Deforestation in the Western Ghats has contributed to increased flooding in surrounding urban areas, as noted in several environmental studies.
• Outdated Infrastructure: Many cities rely on outdated drainage systems that cannot cope with modern rainfall patterns.

Major Floods in the Last Two Decades in India:

• Mumbai Floods 2005: In July 2005, Mumbai experienced an unprecedented rainfall of 944 mm in 24 hours. This led to widespread flooding, significant loss of life, and severe disruptions to transportation and infrastructure, highlighting the inadequacies of the city’s drainage systems.
• Kerala Floods of 2018: During August 2018, Kerala faced catastrophic flooding due to heavy rainfall, classified as a large excess by the IMD. The floods resulted in massive landslides, displacing over a million people and causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

Policies and Frameworks in India to Tackle Urban Flooding:

• Implementation of the National Water Mission: This initiative promotes integrated water resource management and aims to enhance water conservation.
• Enactment of the Disaster Management Act, 2005: This act provides a legal framework for disaster management in India, focusing on preparedness and response.
  For example: Various states have developed their disaster management plans under this act, improving their flood response capabilities.
• Launch of JnNURM: Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM ) aims to improve urban infrastructure and services, including flood management systems.
  For example: Cities have utilized JnNURM funds to enhance drainage and sewage systems, effectively reducing flood risks.
• Development of the National Disaster Management Plan, 2016: This plan outlines strategies for managing disasters, including floods, focusing on risk reduction and preparedness.
  For example: The plan emphasizes community-based approaches and integrated disaster management strategies.
• Guidelines by the Central Water Commission on Urban Flood Management: These guidelines provide best practices for urban flood management to state and local authorities.
  For example: Cities are encouraged to adopt these guidelines to develop effective drainage systems and comprehensive flood response plans.
• Judicial Oversight on Encroachments and Environmental Management: Courts have actively intervened to address illegal encroachments on water bodies.
  For example: The National Green Tribunal has ordered the removal of encroachments along the Yamuna River to restore its natural flow and capacity, ensuring better flood management.

Proactive adaptation measures, combined with sustainable urban development practices, are essential to safeguard urban environments against the increasing prevalence of climate-induced flooding. By addressing the root causes and implementing effective policies, India can better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of urban flooding.

DOWNLOAD PDF