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. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction

Urban floods arise when intense rainfall exceeds drainage capacity, with climate change increasing extreme precipitation and sea-level risks.

Causes and examples

• Encroached wetlands, concretisation, blocked drains, poor solid-waste management and unplanned growth reduce infiltration.
• Mumbai 2005 combined extreme rain, tidal backflow and drainage failure; Chennai 2015 involved intense rain, reservoir releases and floodplain encroachment.

Policies

• NDMA guidelines, national disaster management plans, AMRUT, Smart Cities, storm-water projects, floodplain zoning and wetland protection provide the framework.
• Implement urban watershed planning, sponge-city measures, permeable surfaces, restored lakes, real-time forecasting, ward-level response and risk-sensitive building rules.

Keywords: urban watershed, wetlands, NDMA, floodplain zoning, sponge city, early warning.