Measures to curtail Urban Flooding

Source: The post is based on the article “Measures to curtail Urban Flooding”  published in PIB on 31st July 2023.

What is the News?

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has informed Lok Sabha about the steps the government is taking to tackle urban flooding. 

What are Urban Floods?

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Main cause of Urban Flooding: The increased incidence of high intensity rainfall of short duration is mainly responsible for urban floods, which is further compounded by unplanned growth, encroachment of natural water bodies and poor drainage system.

Deaths due to floods: Over 17,000 people died in floods and heavy rains between 2012 and 2021 in India.

Management of urban flooding falls under purview of the State Governments and the Urban Local Bodies / Urban Development Authorities who are responsible for maintaining the drainage and sewerage system.

What are the steps taken to tackle urban flooding?

Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater – 2020: It has been prepared by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in collaboration with States/UTs. The plan aims to construct about 1.42 crore rain water harvesting and artificial recharge structures in the country to harness 185 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM) of water.

The Government of India is implementing Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) in the country in which special emphasis is being given for rainwater harvesting/groundwater recharge. 

The Amrit Sarovar Mission has been launched with an aim of developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country.

Atal Bhujal Yojana

Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 Scheme, provisions have been made for harvesting the rainwater through storm water drains into the water body (which is not receiving sewage/effluent) & creation/ strengthening of storm water drains around the water body.

Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL), 2016: It has been formulated by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for the States/UTs.As per MBBL, all buildings having a plot size of 100 sq.m. or, more shall mandatorily include the complete proposal of rainwater harvesting. 35 States/ UTs have adopted the features of the Bye Laws.

National Water Policy (2012) advocates that the conservation of rivers, river corridors, water bodies and infrastructure should be undertaken in a scientifically planned manner through community participation.