Expansion of urbanism is synonymous with development. But it also brings unplanned growth in cities. Unchecked, and usually ill-thought-out, urban expansion complicates urban life in numerous ways. An online survey in 2023 showed that 90 per cent of India cities face waterlogging and flooding during the monsoon season.
In metropolitan cities such Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru, this is cited as the main reason for chronic flooding. Floodplains and wetlands have been encroached upon over the years. Concretisation has made the surface less permeable. Such urban growth has destroyed natural drainage systems of Indian cities. This is why every good spell of rain leaves cityspaces submerged.
To deal with such situations, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts. The guideline talks in detail especially about what not to do during heavy rain-induced floods. The aim is to protect people from natural disasters that heavy rains can cause.
Let’s see what the NDMA guidelines say:
Before floods
In the flood situation
After floods
Dos
Don’ts
Link to article –
Half a metre of flood water can carry a car away: NDMA’s dos and don’ts about flooded city areas
