“Urban flooding in India is becoming more frequent due to a combination of climate change and poor urban planning.” Discuss.

Overview:

One of India’s most important environmental and developmental issues is urban floods. Intense rainfall, waterlogging, and infrastructural failure are becoming more common in cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Analytical Dimensions

• Impact of Climate Change: Short-duration, high-intensity storms that overwhelm city drainage are intensified by erratic monsoons, extreme rainfall events, and rising temperatures.
• Unplanned Urbanization: The city’s natural ability to absorb water is diminished by the encroachment of wetlands, lakes, floodplains, and natural drains.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Flooding is made worse by outdated stormwater drains, inadequate upkeep, and a lack of integrated sewage-stormwater systems.
• Loss of Green Cover: Heat-trapping surfaces and surface runoff are increased when there is less vegetation.

Critical Dimensions

• Governance Fragmentation: A number of organizations, including Jal Boards, development authorities, and municipal bodies, function independently of one another.
• Data Gaps: Preparedness is hampered by the absence of topographical mapping, drainage, and rainfall data in real time.
• Social Impact: Vulnerable populations, small businesses, and informal settlements are disproportionately affected by flooding.

Way Forward

• Lakes, marshes, and natural drainage systems should all be restored.
• Put in place climate-resilient infrastructure and integrated urban water management (IUWM).
• Make use of early warning systems and flood forecasting based on GIS.
• Require sponge-city elements like rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements.
• Bolster urban local organizations with resources and technical know-how.

In conclusion, both ecological fragility and poor governance are reflected in urban flooding. India’s cities now require an urban planning approach that is technologically integrated, nature-based, and climate resilient.

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About the Author: Jyoti Verma