Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Urban flooding, distinct from riverine floods, is the inundation of built-up areas caused by intense rainfall, inadequate drainage, and other factors. It’s an increasingly prevalent climate-induced disaster, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and changing weather patterns. India, with its burgeoning urban population and vulnerability to monsoon rains, faces a significant threat. Recent events like the Chennai floods (2015) and the Mumbai floods (2023) underscore the growing frequency and intensity of urban flooding, demanding a comprehensive understanding of its causes and effective mitigation strategies. This answer will explore these aspects, along with the existing policy frameworks.
Causes of Urban Flooding
Urban flooding is a complex phenomenon with interconnected causes:
- Climate Change: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events due to climate change are a primary driver.
- Rapid & Unplanned Urbanization: Expansion of concrete jungles reduces permeable surfaces, hindering water infiltration and increasing runoff.
- Inadequate Drainage Systems: Many cities have outdated or insufficient drainage infrastructure, unable to cope with increased rainfall.
- Encroachment of Natural Waterways: Construction on riverbeds, wetlands, and natural drainage channels obstructs the flow of water.
- Poor Waste Management: Blocked drains due to plastic and other waste exacerbate flooding.
- Deforestation: Loss of vegetation reduces the land’s capacity to absorb rainwater.
- Local Topography & Geomorphology: Low-lying areas and flat terrains are naturally more prone to flooding.
Major Floods in India (Last Two Decades)
1. Chennai Floods (2015)
Chennai experienced unprecedented rainfall in November-December 2015, receiving over 1200mm of rainfall in a month. This led to widespread flooding, crippling the city for days. Key factors included:
- Failure of the Chembarambakkam reservoir management.
- Encroachment of waterways like the Adyar River.
- Inadequate drainage infrastructure.
- The impact was devastating, causing over 280 deaths and economic losses estimated at ₹20,000 crore (as per initial estimates).
2. Mumbai Floods (2023)
Mumbai witnessed heavy rainfall in July 2023, resulting in significant flooding in several parts of the city. While not as severe as the 2005 floods, the 2023 event highlighted persistent vulnerabilities:
- Intense rainfall exceeding the capacity of the city’s drainage system.
- Obstruction of stormwater drains due to plastic and debris.
- High tide coinciding with heavy rainfall, hindering drainage.
- Disrupted transportation and economic activities, with estimated losses of several crores.
Policies and Frameworks for Tackling Urban Floods
India has several policies and frameworks aimed at mitigating urban flooding:
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Provides guidelines for urban flood management, including early warning systems and preparedness measures.
- National Mission for Sustainable Habitat (NMSH): Under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focuses on promoting sustainable urban development and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Aims to improve basic urban infrastructure, including drainage systems.
- Smart Cities Mission: Promotes the use of technology and data analytics for better urban planning and flood management.
- National Urban Housing Fund (NUHF): Supports the development of affordable housing, which can incorporate flood-resilient designs.
- Flood Plain Zoning Act (FPZA): Though not uniformly implemented across states, aims to regulate construction in flood-prone areas.
- State-level Disaster Management Plans: Each state has its own disaster management plan, which includes provisions for urban flood management.
However, effective implementation and inter-departmental coordination remain significant challenges.
Conclusion
Urban flooding is a growing threat to India’s cities, driven by climate change and exacerbated by unplanned urbanization. While India has a range of policies and frameworks to address this challenge, their effective implementation requires a holistic approach encompassing improved drainage infrastructure, stricter enforcement of regulations, community participation, and a focus on nature-based solutions. Investing in resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster preparedness is crucial to minimize the devastating impacts of urban floods and ensure the safety and sustainability of our cities.
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.