Q4.Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss.

Major Indian cities are increasingly vulnerable to severe flood conditions, challenging urban resilience and sustainability.

Anthropogenic Factors Contributing to Urban Flood Vulnerability

• Rapid, unplanned urbanization encroaches on natural drainage systems, floodplains, and wetlands.
• Inadequate and aging urban infrastructure, especially drainage, cannot cope with increased runoff.
• Poor waste management clogs drains, exacerbating waterlogging.
• Lack of integrated urban planning and weak building code enforcement worsen vulnerability.

Natural and Climate Change Factors

• Climate change impacts, like increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall, overwhelm existing systems.

Consequences and Examples

Cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad frequently experience severe urban flooding, causing disruption and economic losses.

Addressing this requires comprehensive urban planning, robust infrastructure, effective waste management, and enhanced disaster preparedness for sustainable urban futures.