Flooding in urban areas is an emerging climate-induced disaster. Discuss the causes of this disaster. Mention the features of two such major floods in the last two decades in India. Describe the policies and frameworks in India that aim at tackling such floods

Introduction

• You can mention that with changing climate pattern, there has been an increasing trend of urban floods in India over the past several years. 
• Add examples-Delhi Flood (2023), Bengaluru Flood (2022), Hyderabad (2020), Chennai (2015).

Causes of Urban Flooding

Urban flooding is caused by heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage capacity. The major contributing factors include:

Two Major Urban Floods in India

Policies and frameworks in India to tackle Urban floods

• National Flood Management Programme→ structural and non-structural methods had been adopted depending on the nature of the problem, geographical conditions, and available resources.

• NDMA Guidelines (2010) and Preparedness Mechanisms:

• Establishment of Urban Flooding Cells within State Nodal Departments and Urban Local Bodies
• Clearing Natural and Engineered Drainage Systems to prevent clogging from silt and municipal solid waste. 
• Afforestation: Trees and vegetation act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and minimizing surface run-off that contributes to flooding.
• Rejuvenation and Conservation of Ponds, Tanks, and Lakes which can act as natural reservoirs, absorbing excess rainwater during heavy downpours. 
• Emphasis on Rainwater Harvesting at both household and neighbourhood levels 
• Dredging and Desilting for Riverside Cities to maintain clear riverbeds to ensure unobstructed flow for higher volumes of water.

• • Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA):  primary aim to effectively harvest the monsoon rainfall through creation of artificial recharge structures, watershed management, recharge and reuse structures, intensive afforestation and awareness generation etc.
  • Amrit Sarovar Mission: Aim of developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country.
  • MoHUA issued SoPs on Urban Flooding (2017) and a Storm Water Drainage Systems Manual (2019) to help States, UTs, and ULBs with planning and maintaining drainage systems. 
  • CITIIS 2.0: It is a part of the Smart Cities Mission and aims to promote integrated waste management and climate-oriented reform actions.

• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020) of  The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)–> aims at the construction of approximately 1.42 crore rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge structures across the country.
• ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’–>expected to serve as a model for developing a broader framework that can be adapted to safeguard other metropolitan areas facing similar risks.

Conclusion

• Highlight that urban flooding is a multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic approach encompassing robust EWS (e.g., Chennai’s C FLOWS) improved infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, community engagement, and effective emergency response mechanisms.

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