Why in News
Bengaluru experienced intense pre-monsoon rains leading to severe waterlogging, lake overflows, and significant damage to life and property. With the early onset of the monsoon this year, the risk of urban flooding is expected to escalate further.
What is Urban Flooding?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Inundation of land/property in urban areas due to rainfall, poor drainage, or overflow of water bodies. |
| Consequences | Waterlogging, traffic disruption, infrastructure damage, health hazards. |
| Examples | Bengaluru (2024), Delhi (2023), Mumbai (2020), Chennai (2015) |
Key Reasons for Urban Flooding
| Causes | Explanation & Examples |
|---|---|
| Natural | Heavy Monsoons (e.g., Chennai 2015), Topography (e.g., low-lying cities like Kolkata), Climate Change (e.g., Delhi 2023 floods) |
| Anthropogenic | Urbanization & Wetland Loss (Bengaluru lost ~80% lakes), Old Drainage Systems (e.g., Mumbai’s 25 mm/hr capacity), Solid Waste Blockages (e.g., Himachal 2023), Deforestation (e.g., Guwahati floods due to Jhum cultivation) |
Major Impacts of Urban Flooding
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Economic Loss | ₹15,000 crore damage in 2015 Chennai floods |
| Public Health Crisis | Rise in diseases like leptospirosis, typhoid post-floods (e.g., Kerala 2020) |
| Displacement | Informal settlers, slum dwellers suffer most (e.g., Mumbai 2022) |
| Ecological Damage | Pollution in lakes, loss of biodiversity, reduced groundwater recharge (e.g., Bengaluru) |
| Overburdened Infrastructure | Drainage system failures, emergency response costs (e.g., Mumbai 2023) |
Measures to Enhance Resilience
| Measure | Details & Examples |
|---|---|
| Integrated Watershed Management | Netherlands’ “Room for the River” project as a model |
| Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) | Permeable pavements, rain gardens, detention basins |
| Sponge City Concept | Adopted by Shanghai; Mumbai is also adapting the model |
| Water Body Restoration | Example: Jakkur Lake in Bengaluru |
| Community Engagement & Early Warning | Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan; Singapore’s SWAN flood alert system |
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following cities is currently adopting the Sponge City model to improve urban flood resilience?
A. Bengaluru
B. Kolkata
C. Mumbai
D. Hyderabad
Answer: C. Mumbai
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Urban Flooding in India:
- Guwahati’s floods are aggravated by Jhum cultivation in nearby hill tracts.
- Chennai’s 2015 floods were worsened due to encroachments and solid waste blocking estuarine canals.
- Delhi’s 2023 floods were caused by cyclone-induced tidal surges from the Arabian Sea.
Which of the above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Q3. The term “SUDS” in urban water management stands for:
A. Smart Urban Development Systems
B. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
C. Systematic Urban Design Solutions
D. Strategic Urban Disaster Systems
Answer: B. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
Mains Practice Question
Q. Urban flooding is not just a consequence of climate change but also a reflection of poor urban planning. In this context, examine the anthropogenic causes of urban flooding in India and suggest a multi-pronged strategy to mitigate its impact. (250 words)
