Nature-based solutions a must for flood control
In the face of escalating climate challenges, India is taking significant strides to mitigate urban flooding through the integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). With a dedicated allocation of ₹2,500 crore under the 15th Finance Commission, seven of the country’s most populous cities are set to implement projects that blend conventional flood control measures with ecological interventions. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), which has greenlit these plans, aims to mainstream NBS as a core component of urban flood management, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient urban future.
The Need for Nature-Based Solutions
Urban flooding has become an increasingly frequent and severe problem in Indian cities, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, loss of natural landscapes, and inadequate drainage infrastructure. Experts emphasize that traditional engineering solutions alone, such as concrete drains and embankments, are insufficient to tackle the complex dynamics of urban flooding. This is where NBS comes into play—offering a holistic approach that not only addresses flood risks but also enhances the overall urban environment.
By integrating NBS with existing infrastructure, cities can create multifunctional landscapes that reduce flood risks while providing additional benefits such as groundwater recharge, urban cooling, and biodiversity enhancement. For instance, restoring wetlands, creating green belts, and revitalizing lakes can significantly mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall by absorbing excess water and reducing runoff. These natural systems also help in filtering pollutants, thereby improving water quality and contributing to the ecological health of the region.
Strategic Allocation of Resources
The NDMA’s approval of ₹2,500 crore for NBS projects marks a crucial step in India’s approach to disaster management. Of this, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata will each receive ₹500 crore, while Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad will receive ₹250 crore each. These funds will support urban local bodies in incorporating NBS into their flood management strategies, alongside traditional infrastructure projects.
However, the allocation is just the beginning. Experts warn that the current funding may be insufficient given the scale of the challenges. To ensure the success of these initiatives, additional financial support from central government schemes like the Namami Gange Programme, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), and state government funds will be crucial. Leveraging these resources will allow cities to expand their NBS efforts and ensure long-term sustainability.
Implementation Challenges and the Way Forward
While the push for NBS is a positive development, there are challenges ahead. One major obstacle is the lack of technical expertise and resources at the municipal level to design and implement these projects effectively. Moreover, standardized guidelines for executing NBS are still in development, which could slow down progress.
Krishna S Vatsa, a member of the NDMA, highlights the importance of integrating NBS with hard infrastructure to create more efficient and resilient flood management systems. “NBS alone cannot solve all the flooding woes of our cities,” he notes. “But when combined with conventional engineering solutions, they can significantly enhance the effectiveness of our flood management efforts.”
The need for capacity building at all levels of government is clear. Training officials and developing robust governance frameworks will be essential to scale up NBS implementation and ensure that these projects deliver on their promise.
Case Studies: Cities Leading the Way
Several Indian cities are already pioneering NBS initiatives with promising results. In Kolkata, the Municipal Corporation has plans to create 8.65 hectares of blue zones and restore multiple existing water bodies, increasing the city’s water storage capacity by 346 million liters. These interventions not only help manage floodwaters but also provide recreational spaces and support local livelihoods through activities like pisciculture.
Bengaluru is focusing on reclaiming encroached land around lakes, desilting them, and improving their interconnectivity based on recommendations from leading research institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. This network of lakes acts as a natural flood control system, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing the risk of urban flooding.
In Mumbai, efforts to rejuvenate the Mithi River are underway, transforming it from a heavily polluted waterway into a functional component of the city’s flood management system. The creation of a holding pond in Dadar is one of the key projects aimed at controlling floodwaters during heavy rains.
Chennai, another flood-prone city, is developing sponge parks and revitalizing its network of water bodies. These projects are designed to absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and recharge groundwater, providing a multifaceted solution to the city’s flooding issues.
Ahmedabad is taking a community-centric approach by setting up traditional percolation wells, known as “Khambati Kua,” on vacant lands. These wells help manage excess water during the monsoon season and prevent waterlogging by interlinking the city’s lakes.
The Global Context and Future Prospects
India is not alone in its pursuit of NBS for flood control. Countries around the world, particularly in the Global South, have been investing in similar strategies to combat the impacts of climate change. China’s Sponge City Programme, for example, has been a model of success, demonstrating that NBS can be both effective and cost-efficient. A study by the University of Leeds found that the programme in Wuhan was $600 million cheaper than traditional grey infrastructure solutions.
In Singapore, a network of detention ponds and connected parks has proven effective in managing excess rainfall, reducing flood risks, and enhancing urban resilience.
These international examples underscore the potential of NBS to transform urban flood management in India. By learning from global best practices and tailoring solutions to local contexts, Indian cities can build more resilient and sustainable urban environments.
A Path Forward for Urban Resilience
The allocation of ₹2,500 crore for NBS projects represents a significant milestone in India’s efforts to combat urban flooding. While challenges remain, the integration of NBS into mainstream urban planning offers a promising path forward. By fostering collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and experts, India can create cities that are not only more resilient to floods but also more livable, sustainable, and equitable.
As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the importance of innovative, nature-based approaches to disaster management cannot be overstated. With the right investments, training, and governance, NBS can play a crucial role in securing a safer, greener future for India’s cities.
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