Q6.Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures.

Indian cities, including smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune, face severe urban flooding, disrupting economies, damaging property, and posing health risks. This recurring phenomenon highlights systemic vulnerabilities in urban planning and infrastructure.

Anthropogenic Factors

• Unplanned urbanization leading to rampant encroachment on natural drainage systems like wetlands and floodplains, obstructing water flow.
• Inadequate, aging, and poorly maintained stormwater drainage infrastructure unable to cope with intense rainfall volumes.
• Increased concretization reducing permeable surfaces, hindering groundwater recharge and increasing surface runoff.

Natural & Climate Factors

• Climate change manifesting as more frequent and intense extreme rainfall events and localized cloudbursts.
• The sheer volume of water in short durations exceeding the carrying capacity of urban infrastructure.

Structural & Infrastructural

• Implementing Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM), focusing on blue-green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and restored wetlands.
• Adopting Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) to manage stormwater close to its source, promoting infiltration and reuse.

Policy, Planning & Community

• Strict enforcement of land-use planning, building codes, and protection of existing water bodies to prevent further encroachment.
• Developing robust early warning systems, coupled with community awareness and disaster preparedness programs, to mitigate impacts and save lives.