Here are some measures to upscale Delhi’s flood resilience
Climate-resilient designs and infrastructure can enhance the city’s capacity to withstand extreme weather events
The British architect Edwin Lutyens created the plan for New Delhi in 1912, which was implemented in 1932. Lutyens’ plan, based on garden city principles, led to Delhi becoming predominantly urban, according to NITI Aayog’s Report on Urban Planning in India.
This urban nature of Delhi puts immense strain on public services and infrastructure, such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, housing, healthcare and education. The city faces challenges with seasonal encounters and floods during the monsoon season, highlighting India’s pressing need for effective urban planning.
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Major challenges
The recent deluge in Delhi has uncovered the flaws in urban planning, posing environmental and inclusivity concerns. Inadequate drainage infrastructure that cannot cope with heavy rainfall is the first hurdle. Haphazard urban expansion and encroachment on natural water bodies aggravate the crisis.
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Way forward
A city plagued by recurring waterlogging must urgently upgrade its drainage master plan. Various transformative measures are necessary to address the urban planning challenges in Delhi.
First, implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) is crucial. The city can enhance water absorption, minimise surface run-offs and replenish groundwater by integrating permeable pavements, green roofs and rainwater harvesting. The impacts of floods can be mitigated by incorporating SuDS techniques into the urban landscape and bolstering the city’s resilience against extreme weather events.
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