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Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods

Introduction

  • You can mention that with changing climate pattern, there has been an increasing trend of urban floods in India over the past several years. 
  • Add examples-Delhi Flood (2023), Bengaluru Flood (2022), Hyderabad (2020), Chennai (2015).

Causes of Urban Flooding

Urban flooding is caused by heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage capacity. The major contributing factors include:

Causes of Urban Floods in India | Download Scientific Diagram

Two Major Urban Floods in India

Flood event Immediate cause Contributing anthropogenic factors Impact
Chennai Floods (2015) Heavy rainfall caused by a strong El Niño event Decreased natural areas, loss of water bodies, encroachment of river and streams and other drainage channels, and uncontrolled multiplication of built-up areas Over 500 people died, and around 1.8 million people were displaced.
Delhi Floods (2023) Yamuna River breached its banks, reaching its highest water level in 45 years (over 208.6 metres) due to excessive rainfall (260 mm of rain in just 24 hours).  Rapid urbanization and encroachments on floodplains, especially near the Yamuna, poor drainage infrastructure, deforestation and loss of green cover, improper solid waste management Several low-lying areas along the Yamuna were submerged. Also roads, homes, schools, and government buildings were flooded.

 

Policies and frameworks in India to tackle Urban floods

  • National Flood Management Programme→ structural and non-structural methods had been adopted depending on the nature of the problem, geographical conditions, and available resources.
  • NDMA Guidelines (2010) and Preparedness Mechanisms:
  • Establishment of Urban Flooding Cells within State Nodal Departments and Urban Local Bodies
  • Clearing Natural and Engineered Drainage Systems to prevent clogging from silt and municipal solid waste. 
  • Afforestation: Trees and vegetation act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and minimizing surface run-off that contributes to flooding.
  • Rejuvenation and Conservation of Ponds, Tanks, and Lakes which can act as natural reservoirs, absorbing excess rainwater during heavy downpours. 
  • Emphasis on Rainwater Harvesting at both household and neighbourhood levels 
  • Dredging and Desilting for Riverside Cities to maintain clear riverbeds to ensure unobstructed flow for higher volumes of water.
    • Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA):  primary aim to effectively harvest the monsoon rainfall through creation of artificial recharge structures, watershed management, recharge and reuse structures, intensive afforestation and awareness generation etc.
    • Amrit Sarovar Mission: Aim of developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country.
    • MoHUA issued SoPs on Urban Flooding (2017) and a Storm Water Drainage Systems Manual (2019) to help States, UTs, and ULBs with planning and maintaining drainage systems. 
    • CITIIS 2.0: It is a part of the Smart Cities Mission and aims to promote integrated waste management and climate-oriented reform actions.
  • Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020) of  The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)–> aims at the construction of approximately 1.42 crore rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge structures across the country.
  • ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’–>expected to serve as a model for developing a broader framework that can be adapted to safeguard other metropolitan areas facing similar risks.
Suggested Measures & Best practices

  • Nature-Based Solutions: Traditional Rainwater Harvesting (Alwar)
  • Planning Interventions: Room for the River (Netherlands)
  • Technological Interventions: Cloudburst Management (Copenhagen)
  • Infrastructural Interventions: Underground Flood Defence System (Tokyo)

Conclusion

  • Highlight that urban flooding is a multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic approach encompassing robust EWS (e.g., Chennai’s C FLOWS) improved infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, community engagement, and effective emergency response mechanisms.

 

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