Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India’s million-plus cities are increasingly vulnerable to devastating floods, a phenomenon exacerbated by rapid and often unplanned urbanization. Recent events in Hyderabad (2020) and Pune (2023) – both touted as ‘smart cities’ – vividly illustrate this vulnerability. These floods aren’t merely a consequence of excessive rainfall; they are symptomatic of systemic failures in urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, linked to climate change, further compound the problem, demanding urgent and comprehensive remedial measures.
Understanding the Causes of Urban Flooding
Several interconnected factors contribute to the recurring floods in Indian cities:
- Unplanned Urbanization: Rapid, often unregulated, urban growth leads to increased impervious surfaces (concrete, asphalt), reducing groundwater recharge and increasing surface runoff.
- Inadequate Drainage Infrastructure: Existing drainage systems are often designed for lower rainfall intensities and are insufficient to cope with the increased runoff from urban areas. Many cities lack comprehensive storm water drainage master plans.
- Encroachment of Natural Water Bodies: Lakes, rivers, and wetlands, which act as natural sponges, are frequently encroached upon for construction, reducing their capacity to absorb excess water.
- Climate Change: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, attributed to climate change, overwhelm existing infrastructure. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported a rise in heavy rainfall days in recent decades (based on knowledge cutoff 2023).
- Poor Waste Management: Blocked drains due to improper waste disposal exacerbate flooding.
- Lack of Coordination: Fragmented governance and lack of coordination between different urban local bodies and departments hinder effective flood management.
Remedial Measures: A Multi-pronged Approach
Addressing urban flooding requires a holistic and sustainable approach encompassing both engineering and policy interventions:
Engineering Solutions
- Improved Drainage Infrastructure: Investing in upgrading and expanding drainage systems, including the construction of underground drainage networks, retention ponds, and permeable pavements.
- Desilting and Maintenance: Regular desilting of existing drains and waterways to ensure their carrying capacity.
- Green Infrastructure: Implementing green infrastructure solutions like urban forests, green roofs, and rain gardens to enhance water absorption and reduce runoff.
- Early Warning Systems: Developing and strengthening early warning systems for floods, coupled with effective evacuation plans.
Policy and Governance Interventions
- Land Use Planning: Implementing strict land use regulations to prevent construction in flood-prone areas and protect natural water bodies. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines emphasize the importance of hazard zoning.
- Building Regulations: Enforcing building regulations that mandate rainwater harvesting, permeable paving, and adequate drainage provisions.
- Encroachment Removal: Removing encroachments from natural water bodies and river floodplains.
- Integrated Water Resource Management: Adopting an integrated water resource management approach that considers the entire watershed and promotes sustainable water use.
- Community Participation: Involving local communities in flood preparedness and mitigation efforts.
- Strengthening Urban Local Bodies: Empowering urban local bodies with adequate resources and capacity to manage urban flooding.
| Short-Term Measures | Long-Term Measures |
|---|---|
| Desilting of drains | Comprehensive Storm Water Drainage Master Plans |
| Emergency response and evacuation | Land use zoning and regulation |
| Public awareness campaigns | Investment in green infrastructure |
Conclusion
The recurrent flooding of Indian cities, even those designated as ‘smart’, underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in urban planning and governance. A combination of robust engineering solutions, stringent policy interventions, and community participation is crucial to building resilient urban environments. Ignoring these issues will not only lead to economic losses but also pose a significant threat to human life and well-being. Investing in proactive flood management is not merely an expenditure; it is an investment in a sustainable and secure future for India’s urban population.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.