UPSC Mains Answer: Account for the huge flooding Of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Pre-requisite: Understanding of India’s post-1991 urbanisation trajectory, including the impact of economic liberalisation on city growth, the role of natural drainage systems (wetlands, floodplains), and the basics of climate change-induced extreme weather events. Fami

Sub-category: Geography (Urbanisation and Environmental Issues)

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Urban flooding in million-plus cities like Hyderabad and Pune stems from a confluence of unplanned urbanisation, climate change, and governance failures. Historically, Indian cities expanded rapidly post-1991 economic liberalisation, with urban populations swelling from 217 million in 1991 to over 470 million by 2021. This growth outpaced infrastructure development, leading to encroachment of natural drainage systems—wetlands, lakes, and floodplains—replaced by concrete structures. For instance, Hyderabad lost 55% of its wetlands between 1989 and 2020, while Pune’s Mula-Mutha riverbed saw rampant construction. Climate change has exacerbated the crisis, with erratic monsoons and extreme rainfall events increasing by 20% since 1950, as per the India Meteorological Department. Poor waste management clogs drains, and outdated stormwater systems fail to cope with sudden deluges. Smart cities, despite technological investments, remain vulnerable due to inadequate integration of flood-resilient infrastructure and real-time data utilisation.
Lasting remedial measures must adopt a multi-pronged approach. First, restore natural drainage by rejuvenating wetlands and lakes, as seen in Chennai’s post-2015 flood recovery. Second, enforce strict zoning laws to prevent construction in floodplains and low-lying areas. Third, upgrade urban infrastructure with sponge city concepts—permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting, and underground storage tanks—to absorb excess water. Fourth, integrate climate-resilient urban planning, leveraging GIS and IoT for real-time flood monitoring. Finally, strengthen municipal governance through capacity-building and community participation. A paradigm shift from reactive to proactive flood management is essential to safeguard India’s urban future.