Every monsoon, Indian cities face fatal flooding due to rapid urbanization and clogged drains. Severe water shortages have also plagued cities like Delhi and Bengaluru in recent years as water storage spaces shrink. Moody’s warns that water stress could hinder India’s projected 7.2% growth this fiscal year, the highest among major economies.
The federal government has approved a flood control measure focused on preserving water bodies and implementing early-warning systems. With an allocated 25 billion rupees, cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata will receive significant funding for flood mitigation. Vatsa of the National Disaster Management Authority emphasizes the need for both traditional storm water drainage systems and nature-based solutions to handle the increasing volumes of rain in a short period.
Despite recent heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Vatsa stresses the importance of continuous investment and governance measures to combat flooding effectively. Long-term solutions are crucial to address the frequency and severity of floods in Indian cities.