Indian Cities Struggle with Monsoon Preparedness

Source: The post Indian Cities Struggle with Monsoon Preparedness has been created, based on the article “Why Indian cities are never prepared for the monsoon” published in “Indian express” on 2nd August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1- Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. and GS Paper-3-Disaster Management.

Context: The article discusses how Indian cities are unprepared for monsoons due to poor drainage systems. It highlights the impact of climate change, outdated infrastructure, and neglected urban planning. It also emphasizes the vulnerability of poorer communities during extreme weather events.

For detailed information on Urban Flooding in India read this article here

Why Do Indian Cities Struggle with Monsoon Preparedness?

1. Outdated Drainage Systems: Delhi’s drainage system, designed nearly 50 years ago, cannot handle heavy rainfall. For example, it struggles with even 50 mm of rain, while areas like Pusa recently recorded 58 mm.
2. Climate Change Impact: Intense, localized rainfall is becoming common. On July 26, Delhi’s ridge area saw 99 mm of rain.
3. Poor Urban Planning: Urban planning has not considered natural water flow, leading to water accumulation and flooding. Historical areas like Minto underpass in Delhi, which are low-lying, are particularly vulnerable. Cities like Mumbai and Gurugram also face similar issues due to poor planning.
4. Vulnerable Populations: The poor and lower-middle-class bear the brunt of these failures. Informal settlements, often ignored in city planning, experience significant disruptions and health risks due to the ineffective handling of stormwater mixed with sewage.
5. Historical Neglect: Natural water channels have been covered or polluted. For example, the Jarhallia Nallah in Karol Bagh, once a natural drain, is now a polluted waterway.

What Can Be Learned from Historical Water Management?

1. Learning from Indus Valley: The Indus Valley civilization had advanced water management systems, showcasing hydrological acumen. Modern India rarely takes cues from these effective ancient practices.
2. Adaptation to Terrain: Historical water systems adapted to natural contours, unlike current radial or block planning. This neglect results in poor drainage and frequent flooding.

What Can Be Done to Improve the Situation?

1. Integrate Natural Hydrology: Plan urban development considering natural water flow and elevation. Historical systems like those of the Indus Valley can provide useful insights.
2. Regulate Urban Infrastructure: Implement stricter regulations for commercial buildings and ensure they are not built in vulnerable areas, like the coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar.
3. Prioritize Vulnerable Populations: Include informal settlements in master plans to prevent severe impacts on poor and lower-middle-class communities.
4. Desilt Drains Regularly: Prevent clogging of stormwater drainage by regular desilting, addressing issues like those seen in Mumbai and Gurugram.

For detailed information on Urban Flooding and Building Safety read this article here

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors contributing to the struggle of Indian cities with monsoon preparedness and propose solutions based on historical water management practices.