The distressing scenes of buildings crumbling, roads and bridges in ruins, and the lives of people profoundly affected by floods and landslides are regrettably increasing in the Himalayan region. These events are often triggered by intense rainfall, cloudbursts, and glacial lake outbursts. The shifting monsoon patterns in India, coupled with the projections of increasing frequency and severity of floods, have undeniably necessitated living with disasters as our new reality. In the face of this challenge, the pivotal question arises: How do we progress into a resilient city?
To address this question, we need to first understand two key factors: vulnerability amplified by rapid urbanization and inadequate disaster preparedness. The challenges in the Himalayan cities are unique. The steep slopes and varying elevations in these hilly cities mean that when it rains heavily, water rushes downhill rapidly, resulting in sudden floods and landslides. Landslides occur when the soil becomes saturated with water, posing risks not only to property but also to road blockages and transportation disruptions.
Another problem arises from poorly designed roads that disrupt the natural flow of water, causing rainwater to accumulate and increasing the likelihood of surface flooding. Additionally, the rapid growth and sprawl of cities and towns in the Himalayas have led to a reduction in permeable surfaces. In simpler terms, there’s less land where water can be absorbed, so it runs off quickly, causing surface flooding.
Furthermore, many of the urban areas lack effective drainage systems to cope with the rapid surface runoff, making it even more challenging to manage during heavy rains. Cities may also not have reliable early warning systems or plans for dealing with disasters when they strike, which leaves them more exposed to the devastating impacts of floods and landslides.
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Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach. Strategic planning for resilient development, infrastructure for efficient drainage management, restoration of natural ecosystems, and enhanced flood management are crucial for building flood resilience.
Strategic Planning for Resilient Development
A well-coordinated approach, guided by thorough risk assessment and a deep understanding of socio-economic and spatial vulnerabilities, is indispensable when it comes to building resilience against floods. Hence, strategic planning is essential. It serves a dual purpose: firstly, it identifies both short-term and long-term measures essential for flood resilience. Secondly, it ensures that the measures are cross-cutting and holistic.
A master plan considering aspects of flood mitigation can inform how and where urban development occurs, taking into account the unique topography and vulnerability of the region. It involves zoning regulations, particularly ‘conversation zones’ in flood plains,
land-use planning for sustainable land management, and construction guidelines that prioritize safety and sustainability. Overall, this not only shapes land use practices but also guides long-term development strategies.
Developing a flood resilience strategy is a pivotal step in addressing existing vulnerabilities. It aids in identifying critical gaps in development, pinpointing vulnerable areas, and establishing the institutional framework necessary to combat floods effectively. This strategic approach leads to well-informed decisions about actions required to build flood resilience. It also identifies clear roles and responsibilities of different agencies and stakeholders, fostering a collective commitment to the cause.
Furthermore, engaging communities at the local level is instrumental. A community-level plan actively involves residents in all phases of flood management: prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. This engagement not only raises awareness among vulnerable communities but also empowers them to take proactive measures in addressing the impact of floods.
Infrastructure for Efficient Drainage Management
Infrastructure interventions play a pivotal role in safeguarding cities against flooding. These solutions are engineered to serve as flood barriers, manage stormwater, and even store excess water. One of the immediate concerns in the hilly cities is managing the rapid surface runoff. A comprehensive stormwater drainage network that spans the entire city, particularly in areas prone to flooding, is of paramount importance in flood mitigation.
Enhancing existing networks through measures like widening and deepening drains is vital to accommodate rainfall of varying intensities. Furthermore, addressing solid waste and wastewater management within the city, especially if integrated into the SWD network is crucial to enhance its functionality during floods.
However, it is important to note that certain infrastructure interventions can be costly and require meticulous planning and design to be effective in flood mitigation. Besides, regular maintenance is often necessary for their efficient operation. Careful consideration is essential when planning and implementing these structural measures, as they can alter the natural environment and disrupt ecosystems if not implemented properly.
Restoration of Natural Ecosystems Nature possesses remarkable potential to combat the threats of flooding and landslides. The key lies in restoring and preserving natural ecosystems, particularly forests, which play a pivotal role in absorbing excess water, stabilizing soil, and mitigating landslide risks. Restoration encompasses a wide array of ecological, physical, spatial, and management strategies aimed at reviving the ecosystem’s natural balance. Importantly, these efforts must align harmoniously with the local environment to be effective.
In the context of flooding, nature-based solutions can significantly reduce the impact of floods. They achieve this by diverting and retaining floodwater while also slowing down its flow. For instance, bioretention systems, which are landscaped depressions, not only capture surface runoff but also treat the water in the process. Meanwhile, retention ponds serve as additional storage reservoirs for rainwater runoff. Afforestation is another immensely valuable strategy, particularly on hill slopes, for mitigating the impact of floods and preventing landslides. These interventions are not only cost-effective but also come with a host of co-benefits, such as improving water and soil quality, mitigating the urban heat island effect, enhancing urban spaces for recreational use, and promoting urban biodiversity.
Cities can harness a mix of nature-based interventions, tailored to their specific needs, to maximize benefits. By leveraging the inherent power of nature, urban areas can strengthen their resilience to flooding and landslides while simultaneously enhancing the overall quality of life for their residents.
Enhanced Flood Management Establishing a flood management cell or an emergency operation center center (EOC) is absolutely crucial for effective flood management. The Standard Operating Procedure developed by the National Institute for Disaster Management and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs mandates that all cities create an EOC. This center takes the lead in disaster preparedness, rescue operations, relief efforts, restoration, and rehabilitation functions during floods.
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The EOC can be well-equipped to seamlessly integrate data-informed decision-making. By utilizing real-time monitoring systems, remote sensing technologies, and data analysis, critical information related to rainfall, river levels, drainage systems, and flood-prone areas can be gathered and assessed promptly. This data becomes instrumental in making timely and effective decisions when dealing with a flood crisis. Furthermore, technological advancements have led to improvements in computational flood models and flood forecasting techniques over the past few decades. Integrating these models with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help identify vulnerable areas on a spatial level, significantly enhancing emergency flood management. Technology can also play a pivotal role in streamlining coordination among various government departments, communities, and businesses, facilitating timely actions in response to flooding events.
An end-to-end early warning system is a comprehensive solution that encompasses flood monitoring, forecasting, prediction, and communication with both vulnerable communities and relevant government departments to initiate preparedness measures. At the local level, community- based early warning systems engage local residents in collecting and analyzing flood-related information, enabling them to communicate warning messages within the community. Such functions can be effectively integrated within the EOC to streamline and enhance emergency management efforts. This approach ensures that communities are actively involved and informed, contributing to a more resilient response to floods.
As we navigate an era of climate uncertainty, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard these vibrant cities, their inhabitants, and the pristine natural landscapes that define the Himalayas. The National Institute of Urban Affairs with an intent to inspire cities and urban practitioners has developed a catalog of 30 diverse interventions on flood mitigation strategies adopted across India and the world. Building flood resilience in Himalayan cities is a complex but imperative undertaking. The unique topography, climate challenges, and rapid urbanization in this region demand a multifaceted approach that integrates strategic planning, infrastructure development, nature- based solutions, and efficient disaster management. By harmonizing these elements, Himalayan cities can not only reduce the devastating impact of floods but also emerge as centers for urban resilience and sustainable development.
Views expressed by Hitesh Vaidya, Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and Vaishnavi T. G. Shankar, Lead – Climate Centre for Cities, NIUA
